Christmas or summer Entertaining? How to be the host with the most these holidays: Chyka Keebaugh’s party tips

With the right preparation, event manager and former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Chyka Keebaugh says summer entertaining can be a breeze. Here’s how to get it right.

Professional event manager Chyka Keebaugh.

We all love the festive season but the pressure to entertain well is ever present. Casual nibbles just won’t cut it for the festive season, and nor should it, according to professional event manager/entertainer Chyka Keebaugh.

As a former cast member of the Real Housewives of Melbourne, Chyka has thrown many a fancy shindig and says the best thing about celebrating in the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year is the weather.

Style your table to perfection.

“I absolutely love entertaining in summer because it means moving everything outdoors. To me it’s long lunches, lots of rosé, delicious food and, of course, a beautiful table setting.

“I love the idea of easy food like a barbecue and great salads but setting up a space that’s a little unexpected. Whether that be moving your table under a beautiful tree or setting up a picnic style situation in another corner of the garden.

Chyka says having fun with cushions and throws, and really making the environment picture perfect will help get everyone in the right mood.

“After the last 18 months or so, I think we’re ready to amp it up and have some fun, spoil our friends and create some new memories.”

Chyka says although she loves a party with lots of people, a festive lunch or dinner should be about spending time with people you cherish most. “I think at the moment I’m in a space where I want to be with the chosen few so that I can really have a great conversation and enjoy each other’s company,” she says.

Event manager/entertainer Chyka Keebaugh.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love a big group gathering but for me, now, I really want to enjoy connecting more and enjoy the friends I have put together. I love mixing friends who don’t necessarily know each other, but you know actually will get on incredibly well.”

Chyka’s friends are always presented with a beautiful table, which she says is a mark of respect.

“It so special as a guest because it shows that the host has really thought about you coming over. Even if you do just want the table to have food down the centre, then make sure you use a pattern cloth and fun napkins and plates, even colour glassware to end up with a strong look.

“For me I love using flowers and fresh produce to tie back to the menu or the theme of the day.”

Choose a colour palette and let it flow through your table setting … and don’t forget the flowers.

A BEAUTIFUL TABLE SETTING

Chyka says the table setting is more exciting to her than the actual food and she always sets it the day before so it’s looking gorgeous and ready to go without any surprises on the day.

“Going to the nursery and finding gorgeous perennials that can be planted up in glass vases is also a really fun and easy way to create a ‘wow’ table,” she says.

“Also, I am someone who loves writing down everything I need to do so that I can cross it off. Whether it be flowers, ironing the napkins, buying more champagne or even the menu … I find this to be the best way to manage what you’re doing and make sure that nothing is forgotten.”

Soft pinks are a hot tone this summer.

DO A WALK-THROUGH

As the host, Chyka says it’s your responsibility that all goes well.

“I also believe it’s really important to walk through your home from the front door as a guest would and just see if everything works the way you imagine it.”

Sometimes furniture needs to be moved in, candles need to be lit, light globes replaced and overhead lights turned off. Having a great Spotify playlist also helps and being as organised as possible.

“I always try to pull out all the plates I need for different courses, set the table, I have the wine already in the fridge the day before so that I am as organised as possible, and can have fun with my friends.”

Chyka Keebaugh

HOST DUTIES AND OTHER TIPS

Chyka says it’s also important to try and create a menu that means you can prepare as much as possible beforehand. Another important tip she swears by is to make sure you are constantly looking out to see if your friends’ glasses are empty, and fill up accordingly.

“Create a fun bar cart with a cute drink with ice, glasses and all ingredients needed.”

Get the simple things right and the rest will flow.

“Also, check on the bathroom to make sure there’s enough toilet paper, listen out and make sure the music is still playing,” she says. “They are all small things, but really help you get together and be even more special.”

Originally published as Christmas or summer Entertaining? How to be the host with the most these holidays: Chyka Keebaugh’s party tips