Cheers to Summer – Create a

DECADENT DRINKS

La Rochere Bee Large Stemmed Glass 350ml RRP: £9.50

Harts Price: £8.56

There’s nothing better than water for staying hydrated on a hot day but when it’s time to kick back and relax, enjoy a refreshing cocktail

Harts Cardamom and Gin Cocktail

“Cardamom and rose have been paired throughout history, and are known for their aphrodisiac and medicinal uses,” explains Ros Nelmes, of Dorchesterbased Fordington Gin who is behind these 2 recipes, including this cocktail created especially for Harts of Stur.

2 shots of gin 1 can of Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic 3 cardamom pods 1 drop each of rose, strawberry and vanilla essence - ideally use fresh ingredients if you can

1 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice – add the gin, tonic, the cardamom pods and essences. 2 Shake well for 30 seconds, strain and pour into fabulous glasses like these LSA Gin Balloon glasses. Add a strawberry and a garden mint leaf for decoration.

LSA Gin Balloon Glass 420ml Copper Set of 2 RRP: £50.00

Harts Price: £40.00

The Bees’ Knees

This classic cocktail was a favourite during the Prohibition as it was handy for hiding gin in an otherwise innocent looking drink!

2 shots of gin The juice of half a fresh lemon The juice of half a fresh orange 2 tbsp of honey syrup

BEFORE HAND

1 Make some honey syrup – combine 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp hot water, stir together until smooth and leave to cool. 2 Peel a slice of zest from a lemon. 3 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add all the ingredients – shake well for about half a minute until the cocktail is really cold. 4 Pour into suitable glasses –these bee ones are absolutely perfect for the theme! 5 Twist the lemon peel over the cocktail to release a little of the lemon oil, serve and enjoy!

See Ros at the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival on September 11th and 12th this year. For more information on Fordington Gin, visit www.fordingtongin.co.uk

Simply Sangria

A perfect choice for conjuring up the feeling of being on holiday even when you’re at home, there are many variations on sangria, some involving brandy, cinnamon and sugar. If you want to keep things super simple however, just add 3 parts red wine to 2 parts lemonade and 1 part orange juice. Mix together in a large jug with ice, add more of any of the ingredients to taste and pour into glasses garnished with mint sprigs and sliced fruit.

KEEP YOUR COOL

LSA Bar Tapered Jug 1.7L Clear

Part of the LSA Bar collection, this attractive, handmade vessel is ideal for pouring chilled water, juices or cocktails. RRP: £45.00 Harts Price: £36.00 LSA Bar Icelip Jug RRP: £50.00

Harts Price: £40.00 Kilner 7 Piece Lemonade Set

Homemade lemonade goes down a treat at BBQs and not just with kids. Serve it in style with this set from Kilner. RRP: £13.00 Harts Price: £9.10

Epicurean Ice and Slice Ice Cube Tray RRP: £7.95 Harts Price: £5.95

PERFECT SETTING

From cloths to coasters, make sure your table is both pretty and protected

Denby Colours Blue Foliage Placemats Set of 6 Part of a vivid collection, these cork-backed mats combine practicality with beauty and are heat-safe up to 60C. RRP: £24.00 Harts Price: £16.80

OTHER COLOURS AVAILABLE

Walton & Co Ocean Circular Ribbed Placemat RRP: £2.49 Harts Price: £1.96 Sara Miller Chelsea Collection Set of 4 Large Green Placemats RRP: £33.00 Harts Price: £26.40

Sara Miller Peony Collection Set of 4 Pink Placemats RRP: £23.00 Harts Price: £18.40

Morris & Co Strawberry Thief Blue Placemats Set of 4 RRP: £32.50 Harts Price: £29.26

Denby Set of 6 Seaside Placemats RRP: £22.00 Harts Price: £15.40

Morris & Co Willow Bough Green Placemats Set of 4 RRP: £32.50 Harts Price: £29.26

Walton & Co Flint Blue Chambray Tablecloth 130 x 180cm

This 100% cotton tablecloth comes larger than advertised as it will shrink slightly when first washed – like all pure cotton cloth. Other sizes and colours are available. RRP: £39.99 Harts Price: £33.95

Dexam Flamingo Tablecloth 135 x 180cm RRP: £27.50 Harts Price: £20.00

Walton & Co Hampton Stripe Tablecloth 130 x 180cm

Harts Price: £32.00

HARTS TEAM TIP

Tablecloth weights are worth using when setting a table for outdoor dining – you just attach one to each corner of the cloth for an easy and inexpensive way of ensuring it stays put even in windy weather! Holly

Mary Berry Signature Cotton Table Runner Grey RRP: £21.95 Harts Price: £17.50 Mary Berry Signature Cotton

Placemat Sea Green RRP: £7.95

Harts Price: £6.25

Maxwell & Williams Love Hearts Araras 370ml Ceramic Mug RRP: £5.49

Harts Price: £4.96

Maxwell & Williams Pete Cromer Ceramic

Square 9.5cm Coaster Kingfisher

Harts Price: £2.50

Denby Set of 6 Rose Engraved Floral Round Coasters RRP: £10.00 Harts Price: £7.00

Maxwell & Williams Love Hearts Araras 10cm Ceramic Coaster

Designed in Australia by Donna Sharam, these quirky, colourful coasters will delight family and friends – and protect your table, with matching mugs also available.

Harts Price: £2.50

Mary Berry Signature Cotton Coaster Pistachio Pack of 4 RRP: £11.95 Harts Price: £9.50

Natural Elements Set of 4 Cork Coasters

These cork coasters are scratch resistant, non-slip and 100% biodegradable. They come with a 12-month guarantee. RRP: £5.49

Harts Price: £4.96

KitchenCraft Moroccan Inspired Green Floral Cork Back Ceramic Coaster

Harts Price: £2.50