Eat-in is the new eat-out. And when it comes to home-socialising, outdoors is the in-thing. We like a fire-centric approach:

Spare summer’s evening? Gourmet burgers sizzle up a treat. Keep some cheese slices handy to melt on top. For a cocktail party, downsize it. Burger bites.

A variation on December’s festivities? Heat your mulled wine and mince pies around a blazing yule log. Toast some marshmallows. Dip them in your cocoa.

Fire. Friends. Food. Repeat, ad libitum!