A backyard picnic suits a New Zealand summer Christmas. It is relaxed, it is easy to host, and the food can be shared rather than cooked in a hot kitchen.
Keep the food simple
Cold chicken, sausages, salads, bread and fresh fruit all work well. Put a few shady bowls out so nothing spoils, and let guests help themselves.
Plan some shade
Set up an umbrella, a gazebo or a tree-shaded corner before the day starts. Keep a jug of water and some sunscreen close to the table.
Set up some games
Cricket, a backyard relay or a simple bubble station keeps children busy. Choose games that do not need much space and that can be paused when it is time to eat.
Give the kids a picnic job
Ask children to lay out the plates, pick flowers for the table or hand round the sandwiches. Being part of the set-up makes them more likely to sit down and eat.
Plan the cool-down
Keep a bowl of icy water and a small cake or pavlova for later. The afternoon can wind down with a quiet game once the sun drops.