Fresh air and sunshine are the main ingredients – just add a group of happy people and you have the perfect mix.

Whether it’s on the back patio, out in a park, or by a lake or river – it is possible to get through the outing without ending up with loads of dirty dishes, a dirty barbecue and leftover soggy food to sort out at the end of the day.

Here are a few tips to help make your alfresco meal healthy, portable and attractive – just right for satisfying summer appetites.

Use jars: layer ingredients in jars, or better still, prepare entire desserts or drinks in jars: –

Iced Fruit Tea Jars

Squash Feta Salad Jar

Rainbow Salad Jars

Chocolate Chilli Cheesecake Jars with Chilli Poached Plums

Taco Salad in a Jar

Chicken Mango Salad Jars

Cinnamon Bun Jars

Peach Mojito White Chocolate Macadamia Crumble Mousse Jars

Main-Dish Salads: hollow out tomatoes, capsicums/peppers, cucumbers, zucchinis/courgettes, mushrooms or other “stuff-able” veggie containers, then fill with hearty meats and salads – these can normally all be done beforehand and just cooked or reheated when you get to your destination: –

Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cranberry Brie Stuffed Cob Loaf
Nacho Stuffed Capsicums
Bacon Haloumi Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage & Sage Stuffed Tomatoes
Pulled Pork Stuffed Spuds

Instead of taking a snack tray that can be wasteful and also wilts quickly, try slicing carrots, cucumbers, radishes and other veggies thinly and keep fresh in iced water, then serve with one large dip: –

Creamed Corn Dip
Mexican Cob Loaf Dip
Beer Cheese Dip
Homemade Hummus

Drinks: freeze lemonade or other refreshing drinks in jars. They can double as ice packs in your cooler and then be ready to enjoy as slushies — and there’s no need for glasses.

Instead of an overload of alcohol or carbonated drinks, try iced green tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, water with fresh herbs like mint or lemon balm, or water with berries, citrus or cucumber slices: –

Mexican Margarita Mocktail
Cranberry Ginger Punch
Watermelon Lemonade
Iced Tea Concentrate

Dessert: for a lighter option, try the following ideas: –

Nuts and dried fruits are a satisfying alternative to sugary desserts; these go nicely with dark chocolate.

Fruit Salad with Lemongrass Syrup  –  keep the sorbet tub wrapped in layers of newspaper and then in a plastic bag, completely covered by ice in a cooler.

Sweet Fruit Dip
Mint Chocolate Meringue Stack

Other tips:

Don’t be afraid to ask others to bring something – sharing the load means there is less for everyone to do at the end of the day!

It is worth investing in some acrylic (or glass if you’re brave!) cups just for picnics – keep these in their boxes and this is a great way to take them to and from an outing. Yes, they will have to be put through the dishwasher when you get home, but they are so much nicer to drink from.

Use a disposable tray for your food – see our tip on using old fruit boxes: –

Disposable Snack Platter

Keep flies and insects away – always bring bug repellent and before placing food on the table, spray it generously underneath and down the legs. Offer it to your guests as well.

DON’T FORGET THE WATER – it’s very important to stay hydrated in warmer weather.  Portable water dispensers such as this – Insulated Cooler Jug can be filled with ice and water before you leave home and then guests can help themselves.

If you are using disposable cups, bring a permanent marker to write guests’ names so that cups don’t get mixed up!