How To Host The Perfect Luncheon

WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR

Late summer is the perfect time for a picnic, and how amazing does this spread look!


Let’s take advantage of these Summer days by entertaining outside. Which is as simple as finding the most beautiful spot in the garden and treating your friends and family to a delicious Luncheon on the Grass! Inspired by the 220th Anniversary of the Picnic Society, I have teamed up with my favourite French cheese brand Fromager d’Affinois to create an inspirational picnic filled with all the trimmings and more! Relaxed, rustic, and oh so inviting, this luncheon is inspired by the collection of amazing paintings by French artists. Images that celebrated the humble picnic by portraying them in their art, so let’s get creative and have a little fun with it - as I’m sure the French artists did and still do!

Let’s start with the basics for a great picnic, shall we?

  • The Picnic Rug What you will need is a rug big enough for all invited! You can choose a rug from your home as I have done or maybe a collection of smaller rugs to make a large area to lounge on. I love the idea of using an actual floor rug rather than a blanket as they are solid and won't move when you do. A few beautiful blankets that overlap also does the job perfectly. Just make sure there is enough room for everyone, and it looks luxuriously spacious!

  • Cushions are a must! Lounging is not as comfortable unless you have some pillows on your back! Steal them from your couch, your bed - anywhere! Just make sure they match and are hardy enough for the wear and tear of the outdoors. I have chosen thicker, hessian style material based cushions for outdoor use.

  • Hats While the Summer sun is shining, we all need a hat, so make sure you bring some extras for your guests!

  • I love music! I have included a gorgeous retro-style record player at my picnic to create a soundtrack to our luncheon. Why not make up a picnic playlist and set up some speakers? Maybe a stack of magazines is excellent to bring so you can have a read and chat. If you have kids, you can read whilst having a good run around. In fact, why sit there? Get everyone involved - Bring a ball, bat, kite to get you up and moving.

  • Keep it simple, Make life easier for yourself and bring disposable plates, serviettes, and cutlery - there are some very cool ones around. Bring a bag of extras like scissors, wet wipes, mosquito repellant, band-aids, suntan cream, a plastic bag for garbage, and a bottle opener that should cover it!

I gifted Bruce a circular bench for our Anniversary last year and absolutely love coming to this section of our garden to celebrate. It instantly filled me with a feeling of calm and was the perfect scene for this luncheon. After laying my rug and cushions down, I brought accessories in from all over the house and garden to decorate. Flowers pots, stackable baskets and a fun cane caddy to carry all my serving ware. A cold glass of Watermelon Sangria is the perfect way to start your luncheon on the Grass. This summertime cocktail tastes delicious. It looks gorgeous and is fun to decorate, and of course, is a perfect accompaniment to Fromager d’Affinois cheeses. Follow your drinks by an indulgent platter laden with Excellence Le Fromager double cream and Truffles, Truffes with real bits of black truffles from the Fromager d’Affinois range. A simple platter is the perfect entree and also very easy to create. Gather your chopping boards and layer up! From crackers to deli meats, cheeses to fresh fruit and vegetables, you can get as creative as you like.

Peach & pastry-wrapped cheese with Fromager d’Affinois Florette

Impress your guests with the pièce de résistance - a Peach and pastry-wrapped Fromager d’Affinois Le Fromager goat cheese variation, Florette. Delicious, gooey and oh so easy to make, I love the idea of Fromager d’Affinois Florette being warm because it makes it gooey and delicious. The sweetness of the peaches cut through the sharp taste of this goat’s milk cheese. This is a more substantial meal with everything you need to be encased in pastry. It definitely has that Wow factor when slicing into it, which is a treat in itself! Follow these steps and prepare your palette for something truly delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1kg wheel Fromager d’Affinois Florette

  • 1-2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tbsp of water

  • 2 fresh peaches, sliced

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 2 tbsp crushed pistachio nuts

METHOD:

  1. Preheat oven to 180C

  2. Unwrap puff pastry and place on a floured board.

  3. Place freshly sliced peaches in the centre slightly spread out to the same diameter of cheese.

  4. Place cheese on top.

  5. Wrap the puff pastry as neatly as possible and seal all edges.

  6. Beat the egg and water together and wash the cheese and sealed areas generously.

  7. Turn the covered cheese over so the peaches are now on top and continue to egg wash the top.

  8. Bake for approx 25 min or until the pastry is golden brown.

  9. Let stand for 20 min before serving.

TO SERVE:

Place on a serving plate and drizzle with honey and pistachio nuts. Serve with crackers.

Preparation: 10 min Cooking: 15-20 min Serves: 6-8




Home Entertaining, Lunch & DinnerChyka Keebaugh [Chyka.com]Cheese, picnic