Fondue Party Ideas

With winter pretty much in full swing we bet you're looking for some cosy dinner party ideas. Throwing a fondue party is super easy. It's also really versatile and different. And let's face it who would say no to dipping food in melted cheese and/or chocolate! Here are some fondue party ideas...

The Pot

Fondue sets and pots come in all styles and designs. They come in a range in prices as well so you can choose whether you want something simple and cost effective or a bit more fancy.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

Of all the types of fondues out there Swiss fondue is the way to go. Swiss cheese is rich and creamy and melts really well. Udder Delights is a local business who makes delicious home made cheeses perfect for fondues.

Meat or Broth Fondues

Meat fondues are a bit lighter than a cheese fondue. Here's a recipe for a meat broth fondue.

Beer Fondues

Yep! You can even make a beer flavoured cheese fondue. Check out this recipe - craft beer cheese fondue.

Dippers

There are no rules when it comes to picking food to dip in the fondue. Some of our favourites are:

• Broccoli
• Bread
• Meat
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Baby potatoes
• Carrots

Chocolate Fondue

There's always room for the chocolate fondue! All you need to do is melt some cream and chocolate in the bowl or pot, heat it up slowly and you're done! Good dippers for chocolate fondue:

• Strawberries
• Marshmallows
• Biscuits
• Waffles

Preparation Tips

• Don't let the fondue boil over
• Cut the dippers into bite size pieces
• Use the right liquids: beers, wine and cream (not water)
• Throw away bamboo skewers are a good idea in case guests want a fresh utensil to use
• Serve the meat on a separate plate to the rest of the dippers

Check out this fondue party planner for more details on how to throw a fondue party in your home!

Picking the Right Kitchen Sink

Finding a kitchen sink is easy. Finding a kitchen sink that's designed for the way you like to do dishes - not so easy. Here are some tips to help you pick the right sink for your kitchen...

Size

It's annoying trying to wash large oven pans and trays in a small sink. If you are low on space and can't afford to have a large sink, opting for a small one is fair enough but if you have the space, a decent large sink is the way to go! Think about your largest cooking tray and use that as a measurement guide.

Double Sinks

Double sinks are great for washing and rinsing so you aren't left with soapy dishes, but if you don't have the space single sinks will do the job. Consider getting a spray tap for rinsing. They are really handy for rinsing dishes and food as well!

Triple Sinks

This is a luxury but if you have the space three basin sinks are awesome for multi-tasking (washing, draining and rinsing)

Shape

This comes down to personal preference. A round shaped sink is good for kitchen tasks but is not very practical for cleaning dishes (particularly if you are cleaning large rectangular pans and trays.) Generally we install rectangular sinks for this reason. They are also more space effective.

Material

Stainless steel sinks are the most popular. They're durable, easy to clean and look good in any kitchen! It may get scratched but scratches aren't as noticeable on stainless steel as what they are on white porcelain for example. It's  also much cheaper than porcelain, granite and marble.

Above or Below

Top mount or drop-in sinks are a good DIY option. They're  easy to install and cheap, however they aren't as sleek and stylish as some other sinks. Top mount sinks can also collect soap scum between the sink lip and counter.

Under mount sinks are mounted beneath the counter. They collect less scum and dirt than the top mount sink and tend to look better too. They are a bit more costly to install as it needs to be glued to the counter.

Farmhouse sinks are specially designed so that the sink actually replaces part of the counter. They are generally quite deep and tend to look good in a more traditional style kitchen. Obviously installing a farmhouse kitchen is a lot more challenging than a top or bottom mount sink as it has to be fit to the counter.

Do you have any tips for picking the right kitchen sink? Leave a comment with your thoughts or ideas below!

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting Tips

When it comes to lighting for your outdoor area you need to think about more than just ambiance. Design, style, the right light for preparing food and bug control are just some of the things one needs to consider. We're here to help! Here are some outdoor kitchen lighting tips...

Task Lighting

A bright light above your preparation or task area is really important. White lighting with a low or high voltage is suitable, although high voltage lighting is better for a range of temperatures. You could go for a simple light fixture on the wall or under your cabinet. OR you can get stylish and choose from a selection of designer task lights, like this one...

Dimmers

We always recommend getting dimmer lighting. Dimmer switch lighting allows you to control the light intensity, which helps set the mood. They're also good for weather dependent lighting control.

Bug Control

Bugs are attracted to ultraviolet light so having a yellow LED bulb is a good option to keep bugs away! Yellow LED lighting also tends to emit less heat which keeps them away. We recommend yellow LED lighting rather than zapping the poor bugs away!

Quality Stainless Steel

We often hear stories from clients about how they splashed out on an awesome kitchen but then bought budget lighting. Stainless steel is a common material choice for outdoor lights but people don't always check the grade of the stainless steel , which means, soon enough they have rusty lights. Check the rating before buying stainless steel lights!

Rangehood/ Fan Lighting

Most rangehoods these days come with lighting. If it doesn't - rethink your decision and opt for one that does. The bulb options vary from LED to fluorescent, halogen and incandescent. They're all effective, but emit different heat temperatures. The colour, quality, lifespan and intensity also vary. Be sure to find out details from your lighting provider.

Ambiance Lighting

There are so many brilliant ambiance lighting ideas around. Candles, oil lamps, mason jars and fairy lights are just some options that are great for ambiance lighting. Fairy lights should come with a driver or transformer which brings down the voltage. Check that it does before you buy it.

Alternative Lighting

There are an increasing number of light styles and designs and a lot of them are DIY! Light fixtures made from buckets, egg crates and twigs are just some materials you can use to make a unique home made light for your outdoor kitchen. Check out these awesome DIY ideas.

 Be sure to check the IP rating to ensure your lights are safe!

8 Kitchen Storage and Organisation Must Haves

Everyone wants a neat and tidy kitchen, here are 8 great kitchen storage and organisation must haves...

1. Wine Bottle Storage

Wine rack designs have come a long way. Having a wine rack mounted to the wall is a huge space saver and it looks awesome!

2. Hanging Pot Rack

Putting up a simple shelf on your kitchen wall is another great way to store your kitchen ware (particularly your pots and pans) This is a good option if you're looking to get an eclectic look in your kitchen.

 3. Cutlery Drawers

We posted a blog about drawers being the new cupboard when it comes to kitchen storage space. You can have the drawer custom made or, for a more cost effective option, buy a cutlery organiser and pop that into the drawer space.

4. Sauce/Oil/Vinegar Bottles

Dried up tomato sauce bottles are something we've all had in our kitchens at some point! Decanting your sauces and/or oils is an easy way to make your kitchen look organised. These bottles range in price but essentially do the same thing.

 5. Hidden Paper Towel in Drawer Space

Tuck your paper towel into a drawer space. The best thing about this idea is that it keeps the benchtop clear, but the paper towel is still accessible.

6. Wine Glass Shelf

There's some really creative options when it comes to wine shelves. Including the use of an old garden rake. For a sturdier option we recommend something like this. You could double up a the wine rack and wine glass holder, which will save you even more kitchen storage space.

 7. Grocery Bag Holder

This is one of those versatile kitchen storage space ideas as you can DIY or buy a fancy one and it does the same thing.

8. Spice Drawer

Keep your spices organised in a spice drawer. Depending on how many spices you want in your kitchen you could compartmentalize the drawer or just have something basic.

 Got any tips to keep a kitchen neat and tidy? We'd love to hear them in the comment box below.

Winter Dinner Party Ideas

Cold weather shouldn't keep you away from your outdoor area. Why not challenge yourself to host a winter dinner party? Here are some ideas to inspire you...

Mulled Wine

No winter dinner party should be without mulled wine. This warm and spicy beverage can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Here's an easy three step recipe to make a batch:

• 10 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 roughly grated nutmeg
• 2 cups water
• roughly grated rind of 1 orange
• 1 apple, roughly chopped (skin on)
• 750ml fruity red wine (such as a merlot)

Step 1: Heat cloves, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, water, orange rind and apple in a large saucepan over medium heat.Step 2: Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.Step 3: Add red wine and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain and divide among serving glasses. Serve immediately.

Whisky Tasting

Whisky tasting has become really popular and would go down very well at a winter inspired dinner party. It would most certainly keep the guests warm! Begin the evening with a cheese and whiskey pairing platter. Good foods to pair whiskey with - smoky cheeses, sharp cheddars, dark chocolate and pretzels.

Wintery Side Dishes

Here are some ideas for more wintery side dishes:

• BBQ grilled vegetables (zucchini, peppers and onion)
• Potato bake
• Veggie bake
• Warm bread rolls
• Blue cheese filled bacon wrapped mushrooms

Fairy Lights

A simple but effective feature to have at any outdoor party - fairy lights. String these along your deck or pergola to give your outdoor area that magical wintery feel.

Roast Marshmallows

 An easy and delicious dessert for a winter dinner party. If you want something extra sweet, hollow out the marshmallow with a fork and stuff it with a Rolo before roasting it.

Do you have any inspiring ideas for a winter dinner party? Comment on this post and share your ideas with your friends.

Custom Made Furniture

Rickety tables, wobbly chairs, faded cushions, moudly wicker - all these things might ring a bell if you have furniture in your outdoor area. It's easy to fall into the trap of getting a cheap patio furniture set but how many times a year do you have to replace it? You want something that can handle all weather conditions, looks good and is built to last...

More and more people are investing in custom made furniture and here's why...

Custom Made

The main benefit of having custom made furniture is that it's made especially for you. This means it's designed and manufactured to suit your style, needs and space. You can spend hours in a furniture store looking to tick all the boxes you have for an outdoor suite but often people don't find exactly what they want.

One of a Kind

Having furniture custom made means that there is no other piece of furniture like it. A customer is treated as a unique customer rather than one of the masses. It's a lifestyle choice to buy a piece of furniture that is not only strong and durable, but has been made just for you!

 Quality

Custom made furniture is not only made to your desires and preferences but built with care by experienced crafts-man or carpenters who use only the best materials.  Reclaimed timber, polished concrete and corten or weathering steel are just some of the materials we use in our custom made furniture. Our building procedures and attention to detail give our furniture a quality finish.

Supporting Local Community

We've seen more and more people take great pride in supporting the local community. Supporting small and local businesses starts a cycle that has a positive effect on society culture, the environment and the local economy.

Environmentally Friendly

Typically, furniture designers and carpenters are environmentally conscious and endeavour to only use materials that don't exhaust the environment. We use salvaged or reclaimed timber in a lot of our custom made furniture, giving our pieces a unique and timeless look with a story to go with it.

Why not save money and buy something cheaper?

As home owners this is something that ofen crosses our minds. The answer is simple. Mass produced items of furniture are generally made with weak materials and constructed for the masses. The lifespan of discount furniture is short and often needs to be replaced as parts of the furniture come apart. Custom made furniture is something that becomes a special part of your home that can be passed down for generations. It lasts that long!

Take a look at some of our custom made furniture on our Showcase page or on our Houzz Furniture project page. See something you like? Leave a comment with your favourite custom made piece!

7 Great Splashback Materials

Picking the right material for your splashback can be overwhelming. So we've come up with 7 great splashback materials to consider for your kitchen...

1.Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is a sleek and unique material to use for your splashback. It's easy to install and works well in outdoor kitchens. Polished concrete can also be coloured which allows for a bit more variety. Unlike stainless steel and glass, concrete doesn't show marks easily which means it's low maintenance when it comes to cleaning.

2. Tiles/Mosaic

Tiles are highly resistant to chemicals and tend to suit a range of styles and budgets. One of the downsides to tile splashbacks is keeping the grout clean and also the process of waterproofing the grout. If you have the budget for it and want to bring some creativity to your kitchen you can use mosaic tiles.

3. Painted Glass

Glass as a splashback material is suited to most styles from modern to traditional. It's easy to wipe down but can get grubby looking if not cleaned frequently.

4. Pressed Metal

Pressed metal is attractive for several reasons. It's cost effective, quick and easy to install, easy to clean and comes in a range of designs and patterns that can be customised and painted too.

 5. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a beautiful, clean and modern choice. It does however have a tendency to get dirty quite quickly. Marks really stand out against the sleek, reflective surface.

6. Stone

Granite and Marble are some of the sexiest splashback materials out there. These smooth, easy to clean materials are good for a modern looking kitchen and eliminate those grout lines you'll get if you have use tile. They're also highly heat resistant.

7. Man Made or Engineered Stone

Stone as a splashback material is a good choice if you're looking to achieve a natural look in your kitchen. Caesarstone and Essastone come in a selection of colours and are also easy to clean and durable.

Do you have a splashback in your kitchen? Leave a comment with your ideal splashback material. To see more of our work check out our Houzz page or contact us here.

Kitchen Drawer Ideas

In February we posted a blog on Outdoor Kitchen Design and one of the factors we suggested you consider is what you intend to store in your kitchen. When it comes to effective storage space, drawers seem to have surpassed cupboards. Home owners are opting for drawers in their kitchens and here's why...

Deep Drawers for Pots and Pans

We are all familiar with the annoying task of having to get the pot you want from your cupboard. All that banging around just to get the pot you need. Deep drawers allow you to organise your cookware cupboard, dividing lids from bases and laying them side by side rather than stacking them up.

Appliance Drawers

Clear your worktop space and keep your appliances safe and protected by having an appliance drawer. You could also install power points in your drawers which is handy to keep your work space cord free!

Bin Drawer

A roomy pull-out drawer bin makes waste management a lot easier. You can have multiple bins for waste and recycling all in one place. Having a bin drawer also frees up floor space. The best part of having a bin drawer is that there is no visible rubbish in your outdoor area.

Secret Benchtop Drawer

Make your space go further with a secret benchtop drawer. On the surface it looks like a normal drawer but pulled out the drawer turns into an extra benchtop or serving area. This extra space is also handy for appliances.

 

Knife and Spice Drawer

If you're a fan of the feng shui philosophy you might consider a knife drawer. Not only does it keep your  knives out of sight (which is also a benefit if you have kids) but it allows them to be neatly organised and accessed safely.  Spice racks are a bit outdated. Store your spices in a spice drawer. You can make this happen by buying a spice drawer organiser and using an existing drawer to store your spices.