Designing Spaces Perfect for Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining

We all love summer and the holiday break, and once we’ve had a bit of time to re-charge the batteries there’s nothing better than catching up with your family and friends. Summer is such a brilliant time to entertain, and we’re firm believers that everyone should be able to enjoy spending time together and no host is left behind! We’re lucky enough to have the brilliant chef Poh Ling Yeow on call to help us plan a delicious summer party menu and we want to share it with you!

Before we get into the menu for the evening, here are our top five ideas for a successful summer celebration.

1. Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining

Create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ensure comfortable seating in both areas and consider using similar decor themes to unify the spaces. This approach allows guests to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while also having the option to retreat indoors if they prefer.

The Votivo is a wonderful example of how easy it is to entertain in a double storey Arden home. With the rumpus and dining rooms both leading onto a great entertaining space, you can open the house up to enjoy beautiful summer nights and some of Poh’s delicious recipes. Designed to fit a 12.5m frontage, the Votivo provides a lot of home for any family. With a variety of different facades on offer, you can be rest assured that the outside of your home is going to look as brilliant as the inside feels. This four-bedroom home is on display at Alamora Estate in Tarneit.

2. Beautiful Table Setting

Pay attention to your table aesthetics. Use bright, summery colours and fresh flowers for your tablecloth, napkins, and centrepieces. You can also add some candles or fairy lights for a magical evening ambience.

3. Bespoke Cocktail on Arrival

Greet your guests with a unique, refreshing cocktail. Tailor it to the theme of your event – perhaps a fruity sangria, a minty mojito, or a custom creation. Non-alcoholic versions should also be available for those who prefer them.

One of our new double storey designs, the Stanhope, has a brilliant walk-in pantry that you can have your arrival drinks prepared and waiting for your guests. With a built in alfresco under the roof line, the Stanhope provides a great design for all year-round entertainment, where you are protected from the sometimes less-than desirable Melbourne weather!

4. Interactive Entertainment

Plan activities that encourage guest interaction. This could include outdoor games like pickleball, a photo booth with fun props, or a DIY station for making personalised party favours. The key is to have activities that are inclusive and enjoyable for all ages, that will keep the kids entertained all night, and potentially using some of their Christmas gifts.

The Milan offers a unique home design, with a beautiful sun court accessible off the kitchen that is the perfect location for one of the nights activities. A finalist in the GreenSmart Awards in 2022, the Milan truly is a beautiful modern home design. On display at Redstone Estate in Sunbury, this all-electric, 7-star display home is worth checking out.

5. Diverse Menu with Seasonal Ingredients

This is where Poh comes in! Offer a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences, use fresh, seasonal ingredients to prepare light and flavourful meals. Think grilled vegetables, summer salads, and fruit-based desserts.