5 easy recipes to make summer entertaining a breeze

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It's finally summer. As we wrap up the year, our attention turns to the summer activities we'll enjoy. From laid-back backyard braais to gathering the fam for Christmas lunch, time spent outdoors is on everyone's mind. Whether you're hosting or a guest, nothing brings a crowd together like food. To make the most of time spent with loved ones, we've rounded up 5 recipes to make it through summer. They're easy, don't require too many ingredients, and will shine on any occasion.

As you prepare for a summer filled with braais, picnics, and pool parties, it’s vital to prioritise pool safety before confirming your guest list. With school holidays and Christmas festivities just around the corner, your pool is bound to be the centre of attention. But when it’s not in use, don’t leave safety to chance! The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is essential for preventing accidents and giving you peace of mind while entertaining.

Many people overlook the fact that drowning can happen to anyone, not just kids. When you’re hosting summer gatherings – especially with a drink or two in hand – accidents can occur. That’s why a solid safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers is perfect for the summer season. Safety aside, a pool cover can also be sustainable. PowerPlastics Pool Covers will help you choose the perfect cover for your family, ensuring your kids and pets are protected while also saving electricity and cutting down on pool-cleaning chores. Go ahead, enjoy those sunny summer days and festive nights, knowing that your pool area is secure for everyone to have a blast!

Backyard braai: Loaded boerie rolls

You can't tear South Africans away from their braais when summer arrives. What's better than the aroma of boerewors sizzling on the braai? Set up a station with soft rolls, tomato smoor, caramelised onions and an array of sauces and condiments. Boerie rolls are an easy solution to feeding a small crowd on a budget and letting guests pick and choose their own toppings gives you more time to spend with them. With the PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover, you needn't keep your eye on the pool area in case the little ones stray. For peace of mind, in addition to a pool cover, you can appoint a designated "pool monitor" to ensure a fun and safe experience for all.

Loaded boerie rolls here

Garden picnic: Fruit cake sandwiches

Deputy food editor Khanya Mzongwana's nifty twist on cheese and preserves was developed with picnics in mind. These dainty little sarmies are made with whipped blue cheese and prosciutto sandwiched between festive-season-approved fruit cake. Remember, while everyone is having fun splashing around in the pool, it's important to establish clear safety rules. Set boundaries around the pool area and remind guests to keep the pool deck free of litter or leftover snacks to prevent accidents. If the pool remains out of action, use a safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers to ensure no accidents occur.

Fruit cake sandwiches here

Outdoor movie night: Popcorn bar

Bring the cinema experience to your backyard with an exciting popcorn bar! Set up a selection of popcorn flavours – think buttery, caramel, cheese and even spicy variations – so guests can customise their snacks while they settle in for a movie night under the stars. This fun and interactive idea keeps everyone entertained, especially the kids, who will love picking and choosing their favourite toppings. Since everyone will be glued to the screen, keep the pool covered. With everyone happily munching on popcorn and soaking in the summer vibes, you’ll create a memorable movie night while ensuring safety remains top of mind.

Pool party: Herby orzo pasta salad

This fresh take on the classic pasta salad adds zing when served with braaied meat. Instead of the classic pasta shapes, this one uses orzo or risoni rice pasta. This creates a much-needed lighter side that can be paired with heavier meaty mains – no one wants to go swimming on a full stomach. Just remember to keep an eye on the pool while your guests dig in! Set up a shaded area for food away from the pool to keep spills at bay and prevent any slippery spots. With a delicious pasta salad in hand and a safe environment, your pool party will be a hit!

Riso pasta salad here

Christmas lunch: Brown butter prawns

Christmas is a special affair that requires a bit of splurging. Go all out with brown butter prawns, you can prepare them on the stovetop or take things to the braai. Pair these juicy shellfish with a sweet-and-zesty papaya-and-cucumber salad with a lime dressing. Set the table away from the pool area – with everyone in high spirits on the day, the last thing you want is an accident to sour things.

Brown butter prawns here

The range of pool covers from PowerPlastics Pool Covers are made with style, sustainability, and safety in mind. For over 30 years, they have provided homeowners, schools, gyms, and hospitality establishments with aesthetically beautiful, quality pool covers. PowerPlastics Pool Covers is passionate about saving water, electricity, chemicals, and lives—savings that are all easy to achieve by covering your pool with any of their pool covers.

Learn more about how you can cover your pool here.