Elevate Your Long Weekend With Unforgettable Entertaining

We've partnered with Cellarbrations to share our tips on how to throw an effortlessly elegant long weekend full of good times, great company, and even better drinks.

The sun may have set on summer, but another season of celebrating is already in full swing. With long weekends galore on the horizon - think ANZAC Day and the Easter long weekend - there are plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family and celebrate in style. 

While we're no strangers to a casual afternoon picnic or backyard barbecue, long weekends bring the unique opportunity of elevating the every day with a fun event that won't soon be forgotten. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere and celebrate the joy of special occasions by playing "host with the most" - because happiness can be found in the joy of hosting loved ones.

From fancy tablescapes that will have your guests snapping photos, to food and drink combinations that will have them coming back for seconds (or thirds!), this is your secret guide to hosting an elegant, long weekend gathering full of fun and loaded with laughter and memorable experiences. 

What's the secret to a stand-out long weekend event? It all starts with the company. And what better way to set the mood and show your guests you care than by creating a thoughtful tablescape?  While blowing the budget isn't a must, there are a lot of simple ways to make the table pop with colourful centrepieces, tablecloths made from different linen and contrasting napkins.

Incorporate some seasonality into your decor with fresh flowers from the garden - freesias, tulips and dahlias are popular choices at this time of year - or fruits like figs, lemons and pomegranates for a more earthy feel. For added ambience (and soireés that last well after sunset…), you could include tea lights and candles or string some fairy lights to set a sophisticated scene.

Add in a range of glassware to suit your guests' drinking needs, like champagne flutes for "cheers"-ing and wine glasses to sip on as the day unfolds, and you're all set.

With the table set, all that's missing is a delicious menu made up of seasonal delights, fresh flavours and foodie favourites. 

If you're hosting family, draw on the recipes of generations past by making dishes loved by all, whether it's Mum's signature roast lamb partnered with Pepperjack Shiraz or Dad's spiced prawn skewers with a can of Little Creatures. For a feast with friends, think charcuterie boards and hearty salad platters that are made for sharing, complemented with a bottle of Grant Burge Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV.

Of course, no feast is complete without the right beverages, so choose wine and spirits that will match your menu and make your guests say "Wow, this drink pairing is great".

Cellarbrations is ready to lend a hand! They have everything you need, from beautifully zesty whites to balance the delicate flavour of sea bass, right through to bold reds to enhance the richness of red meat. A perfectly paired menu will have your guests looking back fondly on the meal for weeks to come.

The difference between dining out and celebrating at home often comes down to the finest of details, with at-home hosting more amenable to personal touches. Infuse your entertaining with touches that reflect on your relationships and cherished memories with your guests to make them feel special.

Think custom invites, handwritten seating cards and a bespoke playlist full of tunes that help set the mood for your celebration. Scatter disposable cameras or have an Instant camera on hand to capture fun moments with your guests and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, raising a glass in a "cheers" is the pinnacle of any celebration, so make sure you've stocked up and kitted out your bar with all the essentials. Head to Cellarbrations to ensure you have your favourite spirits on hand - Roku gin, a Chivas Regal 12-Year Old Whiskey or a bottle of Smirnoff vodka are essentials - as well as mixers, garnishes like lemons, oranges and herbs, and cocktail-making tools.

Ensure there are some options for the sober-curious or non-drinkers in the group, or try something special by creating a signature cocktail that guests can make themselves during the event.

Our picks? A beautifully blushed and zesty rhubarb fizz made with sparkling wine and gin, or a rich and decadent Bailey's and cream cocktail to pair with chocolate for dessert. Consider it another bespoke and personalised detail that will elevate your celebration and ensure it is truly memory-making. 

Ready to host your long weekend get-together? Cellarbrations makes planning a breeze with a wide range and an easy shopping experience. If you're feeling inspired, head in-store and peruse the selection now.

18+. Drink responsibly.