5 ways to make your next outdoor dinner party, BBQ or afternoon tea extra special

Spring is fast approaching and soon, it’ll be the perfect weather to fire up that grill, bake some sugary treats and enjoy a cold drink in your backyard.

These seven tips and tricks will help you elevate your backyard barbecue game to the next level and earn you the title of host(ess) with the most(est). Read on for recipes, décor options, light and easy backyard activities and more!

Grill your way into the hearts of your guests with a new recipe

Gone are the days of your simple sausage sizzle or chicken skewers. The surefire way to set your next backyard barbecue apart from the rest is to serve up a delicious platter of restaurant-quality food — like a platter of barbecued halloumi, beef and vegetable skewers.

This easy and convenient recipe only requires 5 ingredients, most of which may already be in your pantry. Serve with honey lime dressing, or whip up a side dressing of your choice!

Check out this recipe here.

Feel free to also serve up a few classic sides, like barbecued corn to buff out your menu with options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. With four different ways to serve corn, your guests will be spoiled for choice and tummies will be sure to rumble the moment they smell what you’re cooking!

Dine like Wonderland royalty with exquisite outdoor décor

A backyard gathering shouldn’t just smell good — it should look good, too. Infusing your environment with vibrant greenery like your classic monstera plants and natural furniture can elevate the natural space into a sanctum of rest and relaxation.

If you’re looking for stylish and comfortable furniture that incorporates a sleek and natural design with weather durability, Koala’s Torakina Dining Set is perfect for both modern and rustic backyards. With four stunning colour options and a modular approach to composing your perfect outdoor dining space, you can craft your own set and cater to any group size.

Plus, hidden bottle openers integrated into the underside of the armrests make for great party tricks!

Choose to buy the whole set, or craft your own setup with the dining table and your choice of chairs.

Get an afternoon of fun going with some good old-fashioned trivia

Nothing gets the heart racing and the mind thinking with a good game of trivia.

Don’t want to put in the work of researching your own questions? Simply fire up Starts at 60’s own daily trivia game from your phone and read the questions aloud!

Categories on offer include:

• General knowledge,
• Dictionary,
• Entertainment,
• History,
• Food & drink,
• Geography,
• Science & nature.

Click here to take a look, and be sure to bookmark the page for easy future reference.

And with questions updated daily, it’s an easy option for entertainment you can return to time and time again.

Keep the fun going with drinks and dessert

Between grilled masterpieces and rounds of trivia, you and your guests are sure to get thirsty. That’s why it’s always smart to keep a store of drinks ready to serve.

Whether it’s refreshing soda, chilled beer or iced tea, be sure to have options for everyone present. The key to being a good host is knowing your guests, so it may be worth collecting their preferences beforehand.

Food doesn’t have to end when your grill does, either. Keeping a platter of sweet treats within reach can keep people energised throughout the afternoon and earn you points for being a thoughtful host and an even better cook.

Deliver a delectable five-ingredient lemon cake with this easy recipe, or serve up a pile of pumpkin and lemonade scones for easy finger foods. Just be sure not to hoard all the treats!

Carve a corner of comfort for the afternoon

Whether you’re stuffed from a good grilling session or your afternoon activities call for comfort, it’s important to create a space of rest and relaxation away from the dining area so that you can take your game of trivia to a more comfortable setting. Plus, this evergreen lounge area can be used anytime, when you want to sunbathe with a good book and sip on a cuppa.

Koala’s Torakina Outdoor Lounge Set is a natural choice for style, comfort, durability and practicality. Its elegant construction features a gentle curve to ensure you can rest without fear of catching yourself on a sharp corner. It also comes in four breathtaking colours to blend in with your backyard or stand out as a statement piece. And yes — it also has hidden bottle openers.

Choose to buy the whole set, or craft your own set up with the coffee table and your choice of lounge seats (available in a 2-seater and 3-seater) or armchairs.

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