Alfresco High Tea for summer entertaining
July is the ideal weather for barbecues and alfresco eating. The days are long – and in theory, the weather should be warm.
Sometimes if time is short, lighting the barbecue can be just a bit too time-consuming so why not have an Alfresco High Tea for a change. It is a great way to make the most of sunny weather. It is also simple to prepare and delicious to eat and can be as healthy or indulgent as you would like.
Creating a relaxing mood with some simple lighting and classic style of garden furniture is almost like giving your home another dining area as the photo demonstrates.
The advantages of an Alfresco High Tea
The good thing about alfresco eating is that if the weather is a little cold and unpredictable you can retire and eat indoors without feeling guilty that whoever is in charge of the barbecue is outside on their own.
There are also many time-saving advantages to having an Alfresco High Tea wherever you finally eat it. Most things can be made or purchased earlier. Everything can be prepared in advance. If the weather is blisteringly hot then you do not find yourself cooped up in the kitchen,
Whether it is at “tea time” or “supper time” this is a meal that can be dressed up to be an informal supper meal for friends or a picnic in the garden for children. And best of all it requires no cooking time.
The trick is to use high-quality fresh ingredients and dress the table to reflect the occasion.
Simple recipe ideas for a summer Alfresco High Tea
Keep it simple and High quality. Take some good quality fresh bread and butter then add a source of protein. This could be in the form of :
- Wiltshire ham served with water cress
- Cooked chicken well seasoned with a dollop of garlic mayonaise
- Cold beef with a smear of mustard
- Cheese with pickles and pickled onions
- Hard boiled eggs – either made into Egg Mayonaise or cut into quarters and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
- goats cheese and beetroot
- a good quality can of tuna (team with egg and olives)
Add a salad
And to make sure you are getting your quota of vegetables add lots of salad, serve in separate bowls so your guests or family can just help themselves.
- slices of cucumber
- cherry tomatoes,
- lettuce, rocket, herbs
- spring onions
- beetroot
- olives
- avocado
And for desert
For dessert, add a bowl of strawberries and blueberries again which people can help themselves to.
If you want to make it really indulgent then add Devonshire scones along with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
