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Picking the right table for the occasion is very important, according to Bunnings magazine Style Editor Tilly Roberts. It should be “big enough to seat your family and guests comfortably, but not so large that you can’t fit it into your space,” she says. You need to leave about a metre of space from the table’s edge so guests can easily move in and out.
A bench seat can fit more people if space is tight, although chairs can be comfier for lingering over a long lunch. “Add seat pads and cushions to really raise the comfort level,” adds Tilly. And remember not to place seating too close to the edge of the deck.
Nothing says ‘Father’s Day’ quite like a BBQ lunch or dinner - just make sure the BBQ itself is in the right position; too far away and the chef will miss out on all the action, too close and your guests might be overwhelmed by smoke. “A great tip for cooking meat is to use a smart thermometer,” says Tilly. “That way it’ll give you an alert and you won’t have to be constantly checking on it.”
If your lunch is set to linger into the early evening, then be ready with some mood lighting. Festoon lights or fairy lights strung up above the table or along a side wall bring an instant sense of occasion to make Dad feel extra special. Battery-operated lights or flameless candles are also a sweet addition to the evening table and can transform a space in an instant. Make sure any lighting used is suitable for outdoor use.
A beautifully arranged grazing platter can create the perfect centrepiece to your table and is a simple way to start the festivities. “It’s easy to make your own antipasto-style platter using timber with a food-safe finish and a couple of handles,” says Tilly. Share plates encourage conversation and are a lovely way for guests to contribute to the day. A touch of greenery brings freshness to every space, but needn’t be a complex or expensive table arrangement. “You could fill a selection of jam jars with flowers or sprigs of greenery from the garden,” says Tilly.
Set up a drinks table and a lounge area away from the main table so guests can help themselves and relax as soon as they arrive. That way everyone will be able to toast the guest of honour - Dad! - with ease and you can finish off any last-minute prep at the table or BBQ.
Take a look at our Father's Day gift guide. We've got plenty of great gift ideas to suit every Dad and every budget.
Photo credit: Grant Smith
We hope everyone can be together this Father’s Day but it’s important to stay safe and follow state government guidelines for social gatherings.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
