The Ultimate Summer Mega Guide

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Plan the Basics

For a successful summer gathering, a little planning goes a long way. Start by thinking through these essentials:

Guest List 

Estimate how many people will be coming to plan food, drinks, and seating. A guest count helps streamline everything, from setting up tables to organizing the menu.

Decor & Theme 

Bright summer colours, floral tablecloths, or tropical touches like palm leaves or string lights add fun and flair without much effort.

Menu 

Opt for seasonal, refreshing foods that are easy to prepare or grill outdoors. Include a mix of appetizers, mains, sides, and cold desserts to keep everyone satisfied. To help make things easier, here are some top menu planning tips.

Appetizers & Sides: Prep salads, dips, and other cold appetizers ahead of time. Think about options like pasta salad, fruit salad, or guacamole that can be made the day before.

Main Dishes: Meat is often an essential ingredient when it comes to a summer BBQ. Marinate your meat and prepare skewers the night before, so all you have to do is put them on the grill.

Desserts: Consider easy desserts like fruit tarts, no-bake cheesecake, or popsicles that can be made and chilled in advance.

Drink Station: Set up a drink table with a large beverage dispenser filled with iced tea or lemonade, and provide ice, cups, and garnishes like lemon slices or fresh mint. Need some inspo? Here are some great mocktail recipes! 

Best Mocktail Recipes For Entertaining

Pink Grapefruit Fizz

For this alcohol-free twist on a colourful fizzy classic, combine sugar and 1.5 cups of cold water in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer and stir for 5 minutes or until sugar has dissolved. Add 1.5 cups of red grapefruit juice and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a jug, cover and refrigerate. Add 1.25 litres of soda water and serve with craft ice and grapefruit slices for a refreshing mocktail!

Passionfruit Punch

Mix the pulp of 6 passionfruit with 2 cups of orange juice and 2 cups of pineapple juice. Finish with a splash of lemonade, pour and serve with crushed or balled ice. 

Homemade Lemonade

Combine 3/4 cup of sugar and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, then dilute with 2-3 cups of cold water. The refreshing finisher? Load up on ice!

Best Appliances for Summer 

Having the right kitchen appliances is a game-changer for easy summer entertaining. Here’s how they can help you whip up delicious food and drinks without the stress:

Blender

A high-powered blender is great for creating summer drinks, from frozen cocktails to refreshing smoothies. You can also use it to make fresh salsa, marinades, or sauces that enhance your grilled dishes.

Pro Tip: Make refreshing drinks that the whole family can enjoy, like tropical fruit smoothies or create classic drinks with a twist, such as a piña colada mocktail or a virgin bloody mary (check out the recipes here).

Top Blender Picks

Nutribullet Smartsense Blender Combo

Breville The Fresh And Furious Blender Silver

Ninja Nutri Precision Blender Mega Pack

BBQs

The classic BBQ is essential for summer cooking. From burgers and sausages to grilled veggies and seafood, grilling allows you to cook outside and enjoy the company of your guests.

Pro Tip: Set up a build-your-own-burger bar with toppings like cheese, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Top BBQ Picks

Weber Family Q 3100N+ LP Midnight Black

BeefEater 1200 Series 4 Burner Built In BBQ

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker With Smart Probe

Air Fryer

An air fryer is perfect for summer snacks and appetizers like crispy zucchini fries, buffalo cauliflower bites, or seasoned potato wedges. It’s quick, keeps your kitchen cool, and uses less oil than frying.

Pro Tip: Make simple, flavourful starters like air-fried shrimp skewers or roasted nuts for guests to snack on.

Top Air Fryer Picks

Tefal Dual Easy Fry And Grill XXL Air Fryer

Philips Series 3000 Dual Basket Airfryer XXL

Ninja 9.5 Litre Double Stack 2 Drawer Air Fryer

Food Processor

A food processor makes chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients fast and easy. It’s perfect for making fresh salsa, guacamole, or even coleslaw in minutes, so you’re ready to serve with minimal prep.

Pro Tip: Use the food processor to make quick homemade dips or spread, like pesto or hummus, that you can serve with crackers or veggie sticks.

Top Food Processor Picks

KitchenAid Mini 3.5 Cup Chopper Empire Red

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Blender and Food Processor

Russell Hobbs Desire Matt Black Chopper

Bar Fridge 

A bar fridge is a must for summer gatherings. Fill it with iced tea, lemonade, or a fruit-infused water to keep everyone cool and hydrated.

Pro Tip: Make a large batch of summer punch with fresh fruit, and let guests help themselves for a refreshing, no-fuss drink option.

Top Bar Fridge Picks

Hisense 45L Bar Fridge

CHiQ 125L Bar Fridge

Solt 44L Beverage Chiller

Best Tech for Summer

Here’s a roundup of the best tech to help you and your guests enjoy summer to the fullest, whether you’re outdoors, travelling, or staying cool indoors.

Bluetooth Speakers

Whether it’s a barbecue, pool party, picnic, or beach day, a portable speaker is durable, portable, and provides high-quality sound. It sets the mood and creates an inviting, fun atmosphere for any gathering.

Top Portable Speaker Picks

JBL Flip 6 Portable Speaker

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play

Noise-Cancelling Headphones 

Enjoy your summer playlist or create more peace and quiet on planes or during road trips with the perfect noise-cancelling headphones.

Top Headphone Picks

Audio Technica Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort SC Headphones

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones - Silver

Projectors

Want to turn ordinary moments into memorable ones? A projector will do the trick. 

Host a spontaneous karaoke night with lyrics on the big screen or create an unforgettable experience with an outdoor movie night. 

Top Projector Picks

Hisense C1 4K TriChroma Laser Mini Projector

Laser 1080P Cinema Projector Outdoor Bundle 

Samsung The Freestyle Portable Smart FHD Projector

Smart Home Security

Got summer holiday plans? For complete peace of mind when you’re away, make sure you have the best home security cameras. Here are some of our favourites!

Top Home Security Picks 

Eufycam S3 Pro 2 Camera Kit

Eufycam S3 Pro 4 Camera Kit

Solocam S220 with Homebase 2 Camera Kit

Solocam S220 with Homebase 4 Camera Kit

Summer is about relaxing, good food, and enjoying the company of your loved ones. With some planning, the right menu, and a few trusty kitchen appliances, you can throw a memorable summer gathering that’s easy and fun for everyone. Whether you’re grilling, making refreshing smoothies, or hosting an outdoor movie night, your guests will love the effort, and you’ll be able to kick back and enjoy the party right along with them. Shop in-store or online to create a fun-filled season of sunny gatherings, great food, and good holiday memories!