How to create a spring soiree at home in the Highlands

There’s something about making it through another Southern Highlands winter without frostbite that gets us all revved up to celebrate everything that’s awesome about spring.

Let’s see…there’s the warmer weather, the longer days, spending more time outside in the garden, the crisp but comfortable evenings, sitting on the veranda as the sun sets, listening to the birds, and firing up the BBQ for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!

Oh, and wanting to share the warmer weather [and your better mood] with friends by throwing a gorgeous spring soiree.

So, we put our heads together [metaphorically!] and came up with some ideas for creating a fun celebration of spring with a small group of friends using the awesome products and services of local businesses.

Here’s some spring party planning inspo for you!

1 :: Fabulous food

Our favourite part! If you prefer to spend time with your friends rather than slaving away in the kitchen, the Southern Highlands is home to plenty of fab caterers than can help you out.

Bendooley Estate Larder make it all super easy with a huge range of delicious options – from deli boards to dips, salads, sides and pies right through to whole cakes – or you can just order a dinner package and be done with it! Easy online ordering too. 

Head to Birch Store in Moss Vale for plenty of readymade and nibbly options [many of them local or artisan[. 

There is also some crackin’ local deli’s [that people from Sydney actually drive to the Highlands for] to head to for all things antipasto so you can create a fab grazing platter of your own. 

Be sure to pop into Cheese Etc to load up on dairy goodness. 

And if you need to wow the crew with somethig sweet, swing by Thistle in Bowral and chat to Bec [who also runs Black Hen Kitchen Catering] about ordering one of her amazing cakes. 

Or load up on French patisserie deliciousness at Les Gourmandises – order their party box where you get to choose which sweet delights you get to take home for the party! 

2 // Beautiful blooms

The blossoms are blooming, the rhododendrons are spectacular, everything is sprouting and smelling so fresh and delicious! Celebrate spring by adding a bit of floral fabulousness to your table design or party space. Get in touch with a local florist for something bespoke or forage for foliage in your own garden.

Or buy direct from a local flower farm like Southern Highlands Flower Farm in Penrose!

 And dried flowers are having quite the resurgence! Pop into Perky Petal Studio in Bundanoon or their stall in Dirty Janes Bowral to grab the the sweetest bouquets of dried flowers. 

3 // Stylish settings

Now, you can go fancy or totally chilled – it’s your party and you can cry if you want to do whatever you want!

For chilled and relaxed, we love the idea of picnic blankets, deck chairs and beanbags in the garden.

For something a little bit more formal, head into The Highlands Store in Mittagong to load up on a stunning range of tableware and kitchenware, including some beautiful boards for cheese, antipasto, grazing, sweets….anything! Nadia will help you up your party stylin’ game for sure. 

While you’re in Mittagong, swing by Collette Dinnigan’s new store and choose from some gorgeous cutlery, linen, and crockery, all sourced by Collette herself. 

Antique shops and op shops are also worth a visit to bring some vintage [+ wallet friendly] character to your table style. 

And of course we’re so lucky to have so many beautiful homewares stores in the Highlands – scroll through this list to get you started.  

4 // The all-important thirst quenchers

Set up a DIY bar area with all your friends’ faves. Use an existing table and joosh it up with some accessories and blooms. Or see if you can find a vintage drinks trolley – we saw a couple at The Cool Room Emporium in Robertson recently – and load it up with everything you need to keep everyone hydrated.

Grab some locally made brews from the Eden Brewery team or order a case of Southern Highlands Brewing cans online [we recommend the Bong Bong Picnic Ale or Australian Blonde Ale for a springtime knees-up] and have them delivered to your door.

There are some local companies whipping up some amazing spirits – some of our faves include Artemis Sicilian Orange Gin, Three Creeks Gin available at Robertson Public House, Joadja Distillery’s amazing whisky, and the new kid on the Highlands spirits block, SoHi Spirits Potato Crisp Vodka. 

And of course, the amazing wineries in the Highlands are always worth a visit to stock up on everything from bubbles to a big shiraz. Swing by Tractorless Vineyard’s Tasting Room at The Mill and try before you buy [you gotta take one for the team, right?].

If zingy and fabulous cocktails are on the menu, put an SOS out to the Trolley’d team – they’ll roll up with airline trollies full of the good stuff – or you can order your own DIY Cocktail Party Kit – such a great idea! 

And if you need some background music, check out our Spring Soiree playlist on Spotify here to really set the mood!

There you go! Plenty of inspo there, right? Share your pics with us if you’re planning a party! Tag us on Insta with #thefoldspringsoiree – we love stickybeaking at what you guys are up to.

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