From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
For those looking for a faaabulous Party Season…do we have a week for you!
From Priscilla Queen of the Desert cocktails to bubbles, gin and Vibe soda for non-alcoholic options, we have curated all the drinks you need to party September away as we celebrate footy finals, Sunday sessions and for all the parents out there…school holidays.
Never fear, we have tips, techniques and recipes to cook with the kids these holidays along with lunchbox hacks for the new term in the countdown to the festive season (what?). You obviously need some ‘me’ time during the holidays, check out our guide to hidden gem dining venues, along with restaurants where the views are as good as nature and how about where to brunch next weekend.
Whatever code you follow, the Grand Final is one of the biggest events in the Aussie calendar - with the last weekend of September/first weekend of October, offering a fun opportunity to gather with friends and family to cheer on your team. Whether you're a die-hard footy fan or just there for the camaraderie, hosting the ultimate Grand Final viewing party is all about creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the big game.
Marie-Antoinette Issa is here to tell you how to pull it off, along with how to stay healthy during Party Season - in fact, according to health tracking app, MyFitnessPal, the month is marked by a whopping 80% of Australian users logging weight loss as the primary goal over this time. However, according to Chef, Nutritionist and My Fitness Pal Ambassador Luke Hines, it can actually be easy to adopt healthy socialising tips to ensure you can enjoy both your favourite foods and the festivities!
We've all been there. Invited to a gathering where the host insists, "Don’t bring a thing!" If arriving empty-handed just doesn’t feel right - and you want an alternative to the well-marketed box of Cadbury Favourites – we have some delicious dinner party gift ideas - that aren’t just another box of chocolates!
Cocktails require snacks – don’t miss our review of ‘Happy Hour Snacks’ by Bec Vrana Dickinson who loves the ritual of snacking and sipping in tandem. Just like you and me, Bec loves dips, chips and drinks. No, we are not at a wine bar with all the etiquette and arancini, we are at home and constricting denim is optional. It is looser, louder and you can lick your fingers with even more abandon.
Welcome to the world of Happy Hour snacking and check out recipes for bean bag chips, sticky nuggies and poster prawns, complete with drink recommendations and time commitments from quickie to minor investment; every recipe is written with maximum flavour and accessibility in mind, with Bec encouraging readers to experience the joy of effortless entertaining in her own engaging and carefree style.
Let’s party!
