Summer is well and truly here, which means it’s time to get your house and family prepped for the warmer months. For some, this looks like switching up your furnishings and decluttering. For others, it’s creating fresh and seasonal meals to share with loved ones over a balmy long lunch.
For MAFS star, entrepreneur and author Jules Robinson, summer at home is “about creating a warm, effortless atmosphere where family and guests can unwind and have some laughs,” she tells Home Beautiful.
As the mother of two young boys — four-month-old Carter and four-year-old Ollie —Jules is an expert at creating a space that’s both stylish and suitable for family life. Below, we chat to Jules about her top hosting tips, the best ways to create a comfortable living area, and how she gets her home ready for summer.
What do you love most about summer entertaining?
“There’s something special about setting up a space that brings people together. I set out to create a relaxed vibe that makes everyone feel at home, with great food, flowing drinks, kids playing and thoughtful details.”
What’s on the menu for family gatherings?
“I keep food and drink simple and seasonal, with fresh fruits, summer salads, and of course we love an Aussie barbecue. At Christmas, we have a tradition of putting out fresh prawns on the day and for breakfast, cream cheese and salmon croissants served with fresh mango.”
Styling tips for a beautiful tablescape?
“I love styling my table, and over the years I have collected some beautiful tableware. I love decorating with my gold cutlery for an elegant touch, and love adding pops of colour through napkins, flowers, or small decor elements such as candles.”
How do you create a relaxing living area?
“I always try to keep this space tidy and clean so I can feel calm and peaceful here. Carter is usually bouncing away in his bouncer, and in the evening, Ollie loves to cuddle with me on the couch. Having the most comfortable couch that we can all fit on together is really important. For me, sinking into my ‘Sunni’ lounge is a sign that I can check out for the day. It’s heaven.
“I also like to mix soft, cosy textiles like plush throw blankets, pillows in different fabrics and warm rugs to add depth and warmth to the space. Plus, rugs are great for tummy time and playing!”
Top tips for entertaining in the living room?
“Incorporate a mix of larger modular sofas and movable pieces, like armchairs, stools, or poufs, which can be rearranged as needed for different groups of guests. This makes it easy to create extra seating in a pinch without overcrowding the space on a day-to-day basis.
“I like to position a coffee table or ottoman in the centre of the space for balance and functionality. But we ensure there are no sharp edges, as most of our guests also bring little people with them.”
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
