Hi my friends. I hope you’re having a relaxing weekend!
We’re in the middle of jackhammering — literally — while a couple of builders are replacing pool tiles this morning, so I will make this short and sweet. (And send apologies to our neighbours…so gracious when I texted them with a heads up about today! Thank you!)
After making an impromptu breakfast for six, I thought it would be fun to talk about my quick and easy entertaining tips.
I love welcoming people into our home, and the trick is to keep it easy. Here are my top tips:
Always keep a few staples on hand in the freezer or pantry. My list includes:
Cannellini beans, a jar of sundried tomatoes, frozen spinach — for this quick dish for lunch. Recipe is linked for you below.
These croissants (again, linked below) — you will be so grateful I told you about them and the link is below. The pain au chocolat are also incredible.
Hummus and carrots, for an easy snack or roasted and displayed beautifully as a side for dinner.
Nuts - I love the mixed nuts from Aldi in the green foil package.
Cut greenery from the back garden. Sometimes I use rosemary and often the leaves from a camellia bush. In Australia we’re lucky that there’s always something blooming if you search around. But bare branches are also beautiful. See below.
Quick clean — for me, this is guest bathroom, vacuum the kitchen and set the table.
A tablecloth and napkins always makes your home look special.
Light some candles, even in the daytime. I love it when our home smells inviting.
That’s it. People care far, far more about us than about our homes anyway. It’s never about how perfect things look, or what you’re serving. It’s about inviting people in with an open heart.
Even if you are stressed and tired and it would feel easier to cancel altogether or go to a cafe, it’s lovely to BE the love you need in the world.
While the jackhammering carries on here, I’m going to hop off and tidy a few things. Thanks for joining me this morning, and I hope you have a beautiful Sunday.
Love, Catherine x
P.S. The fun stuff!
Cannelini bean recipe is here - I love this one! You can also use Butter Beans.
Ooooooh, these croissants. Aussies: run and grab them. Also the pain au chocolat. You will never forget that I told you about them! Keep them in the freezer and voila — always incredible, fresh and ready to serve.
An example of how bare branches can be beautiful.
Favourite walk with Evie this morning in my Instagram stories. Love to have you on the journey with me!
Weird one to share…but if you’re from English or Irish descent and have rosacea, this absolutely works for me. Over the counter in Australia.