A lovely table setting, fresh fruit pastries and good company make for the perfect early summer afternoon.

Take advantage of those fleeting days of summer. Share the warm pleasures of summer with the company of close friends and family. Delight in each other’s presence; eat, drink and celebrate! To help you along, our delicious fruit pastry recipes perfectly pair with the casual comforts of the season.
 

Essentials for alfresco entertaining

• Lanterns and candles
• An assortments of throws and pashminas (for cool nights)
• Freshly cut flowers (preferably from the garden)
• Unmatched white ceramic vessels, juice glasses and teapots (to display flowers)
• Portable table and chairs
• Sweet summer pastries

Take a seat
Keep the table setting fuss-free. A centrepiece of fresh florals in ceramic pitchers, in-season muskmelons, unmatched tumblers and vintage lanterns set a casual-chic tone. The kelly green café chairs, brought out from inside, pick up the colour of the natural surroundings and the lanterns, which, when lit, emit a soft glow as the sun sets.

In bloom
Display large, freshly cut blooms in unexpected vessels. Here, roses and peonies are arranged in a simple water glass and an antique tin coffee pot. Throughout the table setting, unmatched ceramic pitchers, urns and a selection of vintage containers showcase more lovely pink flowers.

Recipe: Plum and almond galette
Celebrate the coming of warmer weather with this juicy plum galette with almonds.
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Recipe: Fresh berry tart and honey marscapone
Summer berries and honey marscapone fill this delicious tart.
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Recipe: Strawberry and cream meringues
Strawberries and cream make these meringues a sweet summer treat.
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