It’s winter in Australia, and time to nestle in and enjoy the culinary delights that the cold weather brings. Whilst we don’t have snow in Sydney, it can still get mighty cold at this time of the year. What better way to warm up than with heart-warming fondue shared with a group of good friends?

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It seems most people are watching their pennies these days, and dining-in has become the option of choice to get together with friends and family. However, having guests can be a costly exercise if you don’t plan your menu wisely. Is it possible to serve an impressive meal whilst still keeping a check on your budget? Yes it is! The following winter entertaining ideas should provide you with some inspiration: [Read more →]

When entertaining or planning a dinner party, it is natural that the main focus is on the food and what you will be serving your guests. However, an often overlooked part of the occasion is the setting and presentation of the table. A thoughtful table setting will create atmosphere and will enhance the experience of eating the meal you have prepared.
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Welcome to my blog, on all that is entertaining. My intention is to inspire you to entertain by sharing experiences and providing articles, recipes, helpful tips and hints on all elements of entertaining. I am passionate about entertaining, which I have been doing for over 20 years, and am of the belief that the ultimate compliment you can pay anyone is to prepare them a meal from the heart. I believe that entertaining should be a joy, not a chore, and I want to inspire people to entertain.

I am not a trained chef – I am a self-taught cook. I have an extensive collection of cookbooks and subscribe to numerous food magazines, and my skills have been developed through trial and error. In my experience, people’s reluctance to entertain is often because they feel that the lack cooking skills, but to quote from the movie Ratatouille, “anyone can cook”!

It is my opinion that one of the key fundamentals to successful entertaining is being organised and advance preparation. By having the majority of the food prepared in advance, you are left free to enjoy yourself and the company of your guests. Who wants to feel like a kitchen slave while their guests are drinking their expensive champagne?

My blog will provide plenty of useful tips and hints to get you out of your kitchen and into your party. Please have a look at my website www.lifesafeast.com.au where you will find a number of interesting and useful articles. I also publish a free monthly newsletter, called entertaining made easy – click here to subscribe.

Gail