Three Top Tips for Mediterranean-style Entertainment

Embracing Mediterranean style entertainment can transform home dining into a leisurely, sensory delight. It might have you thinking that it is a breezy evening on a coastal Greek island or that you are on a sun-drenched terrace in Tuscany.

The Rise of Mediterranean Style Eating

The craze for Mediterranean style eating started in the 1990s, gaining momentum as a heart-healthy diet that did not sacrifice flavour for nutrition. Influential chefs like Alice Waters and Yotam Ottolenghi championed the use of fresh, local ingredients and simple cooking methods that are typical of the Mediterranean diet. More recent cookbooks about Mediterranean style eating includes Cape Mediterranean by South African cookbook author and food blogger Ilse van der Merwe and Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Mediterranean.

Movies such as Under the Tuscan Sun and A Good Year romanticized the lifestyle. Greek music or Spanish guitar provided the perfect backdrop to al fresco dining experiences.

A Mediterranean inspired diet became synonymous with a high-quality life, offering a blend of gourmet and health-conscious choices. It's a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish and poultry. Red meat and sweets are enjoyed sparingly, which contributes to the diet's heart-healthy reputation.

Here are our top three tips for Mediterranean-style entertainment:

1. Setting the Perfect Mediterranean Table

Two of the main elements of the perfect Mediterranean-themed table is an artful blend of simplicity and rustic elegance. Start with a neutral or earth-toned tablecloth – a reminder of sandy beaches. Top this with tableware in blue and white to mirror the sea and sky, or terracotta for a touch of the rustic countryside.

Incorporate natural materials like wood or rattan where possible. Use plenty of greenery and seasonal produce, like olive branches, fresh herbs, heirloom tomatoes or lemons for the perfect centrepiece.

Linen napkins, casual glassware, and an informal arrangement encourage a relaxed atmosphere where conversation flows as freely as the wine.

2. What to Serve

Mediterranean dining is all about sharing. Use large platters for serving main dishes and small bowls for olives, dips, and other appetizers. Encourage a communal feeling by allowing guests to serve themselves.

Start with simple dishes that embody the spirit of the region. Greek salads with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese; Italian bruschetta topped with fresh basil and tomatoes; or a Spanish gazpacho are all easy to prepare. Seafood, grilled or baked with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, serves as a delightful main course. And for dessert, a fruit platter with figs, apricots, and peaches offers a sweet finish without the guilt.

This style of entertainment is not just about eating; it's about indulging in a lifestyle that celebrates the joy of simplicity, the beauty of nature, the pleasure of good company and great food. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a casual cook, the Mediterranean way is a testament to the fact that the best gatherings always happen around the table.

3. How to Serve Your Mediterranean Feast: