Garden Coffee Party Must-Haves

With spring already here and Easter just around the corner, some good news were bound to follow. I’m referring of course to the fact that the Government has decided it can ease some of its restrictions such as the number of people you can safely hang out with - the keyword here being safely (let’s not forget we are still in a pandemic after all!).

So, you might ask, what can I do that’s fun and considerate towards everyone’s wellbeing? I have three words for you: Garden Coffee Party.

If you’re reading this blog, chances are we have a common passion for coffee, so why not share this with the loved ones in our lives by treating them to an amazing (caffeinated) outdoor experience?!

This weekend I’m having 5 and a half person garden party! (6 people are allowed in a private backyard here in the UK - and my BFF is bringing her wee 1 year old).

After thinking about this idea for a bit, I’ve come up with a list of cool products that will ensure you don’t get stuck in the kitchen for hours prepping or brewing cup after cup. The goal after all is to maximise the time you spend with your mates, not stress over which coffee went cold or who has yet to be served. That being said, let’s get this ball rolling, shall we?

1) The French Press

Photo by Izzy Rivi

 Beginner friendly and hassle free, this is probably one of the most inexpensive brewing devices out there. The standard size holds 1L of liquid so you can easily make 8 cups in one go. If you’re worried that it’ll just be gathering dust afterwards, don’t be! You can also use it as a tea infuser or even as a low-level milk frother for the occasional home cappie. Just make sure to give it a thorough clean after each use if you intend to put its versatility to the test.

Photo by Conor Sexton

2) The Chemex 

If you’re a fan of both volume and gorgeous design, then this is the coffeemaker for you. There is one major difference between the Chemex and its above mentioned cousin and that is: the existence of a very thick paper filter. This stops coffee sediment and unwanted oils from ever touching your lips which therefore results in a much cleaner, more flavourful cup for you to enjoy. 

Although quite accessible, you may want to consider investing in a gooseneck kettle and weighing scale if consistency is something that interests you in the long run.

 It also makes for a pretty decorative element in your house, so you can use it as a centre piece and fill it with seasonal dried flowers perhaps - when you’re not using it, that is! 

Photo by Zsuzsa Zico

3) The Melitta EPOS

An absolute favourite of mine, this electronic all-in-one pour over system will surely become every home barista’s bff in no time! 

Made to accurately simulate the beauty of manual brewing, Melitta has managed to come up with a product which perfectly captures the sensorial experience that is making coffee. It may seem like it’s a bit on the high end of things, but trust me when I say you’ll get your money’s worth in no time at all.

It’s super friendly design makes it easy to use and requires little prior coffee knowledge making it perfectly accessible to anyone in your household. All you need to do is fill the integrated grinder with some great beans, add water to the reservoir and push a button. All that’s left for you to do is wait - that’s the hard part, really. Or get your snacks ready while it’s brewing!

Now that we’ve talked about all these beautiful products, it’s time to shine a light on the actual star of the show.

 4) The Coffee

Regardless of which method you’re keen on using, the secret to a delicious cup of coffee is - you’ve guessed it- good, fresh beans. 

I thought I’d share with you just four (otherwise we’d be here all day!) of my favourite roasters, but no matter which one you’ll choose, make sure to buy a bag that works for your preferred method of brewing (filter/espresso) and don’t forget to check the roast date (up to 3 months guarantees freshness):

GWGC - Girls Who Grind Coffee an all-female specialty coffee roastery! They are stocked in many cafes now, but you can also order from them directly.

Small Batch Roast - in Brighton producing some mighty fine coffees.

Coffee By Tate (yes, they are the only Museum in the world who roast their own coffee) and intentionally source 70% of their coffee from female owned, grown and produced coffee farms!

TGITC My very own Brazil/Zambia blend that I’m super proud of and excited to be able to share with you guys! 

5) The Firetree Tasting Bar Gift Box

Last but not least, you might need to treat your, by now, overly caffeinated guests to some very special bite sized bean to bar treats. This way you can appease those sweet tooth cravings while also avoiding any cross contamination. Win win. 

Plus you can have some fun comparing your tasting notes with those from the bar as they are made from small batch cocoa beans from remote oceanic volcanic islands like Vanuatu and Madagascar, which give enriched and very unique flavours. I had an virtual tasting with them recently, and it was totally eye-opening and a flavourful journey. I was surprised by the 100% cocoa bar which was incredible, a lovely lingering after taste without bitterness. 

I only generally eat small amounts for dark chocolate that is over 70% cocoa as it’s good for cholesterol, is packed with polyphenols and generally good for health.

At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter which one you’ll pick from this list, what’s important is who you choose to share it with. We are, after all, our best selves when we’re next to those we love. Stay Safe, Be Strong and Be Nice to one another - this too shall pass.

Happy Easter, lovelies! xx