The best thing about Christmas in the southern hemisphere is the well-timed return of warmth and invigorating sunshine. That means rather than bundling up and seeking out the nearest fireplace, we get to swan about on verandahs and in the great outdoors, reaching for ice buckets while marking the year’s end in a cheerful group setting.
That might mean mingling with work colleagues, a meal with family, or a simple mates gathering before everyone peels off in different directions for January. Whatever you’re up to for the holidays, we’ve rounded up some evergreen suggestions for what to bring to the party.
A catch-up with friends: The Crafty Punter Riesling
This dry, citrus-driven riesling from South Australia’s Clare Valley is just right for bright summer days. Think a lazy weekend hang, whether in the garden or comfortably indoors with all the windows open. It pairs especially well with tangy, spicy Southeast Asian cuisine, like a Thai curry or green papaya salad – you could simply share a takeaway with a small group. For a gold and silver award-winning drop, it’s nicely priced drop at under $20 – and easy drinking too. Maybe grab a few bottles, because this one is sure to be passed around more than once.
The office gathering: a chocolatey dessert
Nothing unites people – or not-so-subtly puts you in their favour – like a chocolate-forward dessert. If you’re thinking handheld, brownies are always a solid bet – try Natalie Paull’s adaptable recipe with cream cheese and a finely flaky top crust. If slicing and scooping in a communal setting makes sense, go for a thick chocolate cake (this fudgy number with raspberry and buttermilk by Sydney’s Flour and Stone is hard to resist). Tarts, tortes and cheesecakes are also perennial favourites that can showcase chocolate in a range of fun ways. Just make sure that you store your contribution safely and coolly in the blossoming summer heat.
A picnic: cheese, crackers and dips
Got a favourite patch of park, or a stretch of green space along your local creek or lake? Soak up the warm weather with a picnic and hold court as a breezy seasonal socialiser. While you won’t want anything too heavy or complicated for a picnic, just shareable small bites like crackers, cheese and dips, you can level up the offering by making your own. These recipes come from top local cooks, including muhammara by Julia Busuttil Nishimura and guac by Mark Best. Or you could make it easy on yourself and cut loose in the supermarket aisles – these dips are recommended by some of our favourite chefs. And this way, when the supplies start to run low, you won’t have to worry about lugging many leftovers back home.
The family catch-up: A flavoursome salad
Hear us out: salads don’t have to be unimaginative bowls of leafy greens. You can create something light, bright and full of amazing produce – plus, it’s easy to share and goes with just about everything. Just focus on wholegrains, herbs, in-season veggies and inventive dressings, and let your ingredients do the talking. We’ve put together a whopping 22 colourful, refreshing salad recipes, ranging from simple heirloom tomatoes with cherry dressing to a viral chickpea number with maple and tahini, and three wildly different takes on a classic potato salad.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Liquorland.