Three ways to entertain for a happy, laid-back New Year
If you’re feeling a bit burnt out after a busy Christmas period, you’re not alone. If the idea of entertaining on New Year’s Eve or over summer makes you want to run and hide, these ideas for a laid-back New Year are perfect for you.
With the frenetic celebrations of Christmas Day now behind us, many are looking forward to summer holidays and a more relaxed vibe. What better way to kick things off than with a casual get-together for your favourite people over New Year’s. We emphasise the casual in this – unlike Christmas Day, our suggestions don’t involve any over-the-top prep.
Here are our ideas for a fun, low-stress catch-up.
A Barbeque
Quintessentially Australian, the Aussie backyard barbeque is the perfect way to kick back with friends. So get your barbeque cleaned up and prepared, stock up on fresh salad ingredients, fresh fruit, soft drinks, Tassie sparkling, beer, wine and spirts, and your chosen meat, fish or meat-alternative, and have yourself a chilled-out summer gathering. And let yourself off the hook by using disposable plates and cups (bamboo, or otherwise environmentally appropriate, preferred) – and all available at Hill Street of course.
Here are some brilliant barbecue tips, as well as lots of great recipes to give you inspiration.
A Platter & Cocktail Party
Putting together a few platters or a grazing board is the ultimate make-ahead party-trick. Or even easier – let us do it for you by ordering a few platters from Hill Street. Priced from $80 - $140, our platters are on the generous side. Choose from a Seasonal Fruit platter, a BBQ Chicken Meal Platter, a Cheese Platter or a Mediterranean Feast Platter which all serve 6-8 people, or a Seafood Sensation Platter to serve 8-12.
With the food taken care of, you can turn your attention to making some fabulous cocktails like Martinis, Margueritas, Cosmopolitans, or a classic French 75. Don’t forget to add these gorgeous garnishes. Or keep it simple and pop the corks of some very special Tasmanian sparkling
Paella
This sounds fancy but is super-easy to make and feeds a crowd. You will need a paella dish or a large frypan, depending on how many you are catering for. Try this Summer Paella, this Seafood Paella, or this vegetarian version. And if you have lots of leftover Christmas ham, try this Christmas Ham and Prawn Paella.
Match a seafood paella with a crisp Tasmanian sauvignon blanc or pinot gris, and a rosé will go well with a vegetarian paella.
So, kick back and enjoy New Year with minimal prep and maximum enjoyment.
*Alcohol is sold at Hill Street West Hobart, South Hobart and Lauderdale only.
