Olá! I’m Luís Lage, owner of Divino.je. With longer days and warmer evenings, there’s no better time to gather friends and family for a summer celebration. And if you ask me, there’s nothing quite like a Portuguese-inspired garden party to turn a casual get-together into something truly memorable.
Whether you're planning a relaxed barbecue or a sunset soirée, I’ll show you how to bring the flavours, aromas and spirit of Portugal to your summer table. From easy nibbles to crowd-pleasing drinks, here’s everything you need to host like a pro.
Set the Scene: Rustic, Relaxed and Full of Charm
When it comes to Portuguese décor, think rustic elegance with a splash of sunshine. Here are a few simple ideas to create the right ambiance:
- Table Style: Opt for wooden boards, ceramic platters, and linen napkins in ocean blues, lemon yellows and terracotta tones.
- Lighting: String up fairy lights or hang lanterns for a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets.
- Floral Touches: Add sprigs of rosemary or bunches of lavender in jars or vases to give your table that Mediterranean charm.
A little effort goes a long way in creating a setting that feels welcoming, authentic and effortlessly stylish.
Portuguese Nibbles to Kick Things Off
Start your party with a selection of Portuguese petiscos – our version of tapas. These small plates are perfect for sharing and grazing.
- Cured Meats: A platter of Portuguese chouriço, presunto and salpicão is a must. Serve sliced thin with a drizzle of olive oil and a few black olives
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- Cheese & Fruit: Add wedges of Queijo Flamengo - a tangy sheep’s cheese from Beira Alta - and a crumbly goat’s cheese like Paiva Queijo Cabra Curado. Pair with grapes, figs or honey for a sweet contrast.
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- Crackers and Bread: Keep things simple with crusty sourdough, breadsticks or seeded crackers for scooping and snacking.
This kind of spread keeps guests happy while you fire up the grill or prep the main course. It is also a great excuse to open the first bottle of wine!
Drinks That Set the Mood
No Portuguese summer party is complete without a fantastic drinks selection. At Divino.je, we’ve handpicked a few favourites that are perfect for sipping outdoors.
Portuguese Beers
Refreshing, crisp and made for summer. Stock up on Sagres or Super Bock for easy-drinking beers that everyone will love.
Wine Bundles for All Tastes
If you’re serving a crowd, our 'Introduction to Portuguese wine' bundles make things easy. We’ve handpicked cases of bold reds, crisp whites and a combined bundle of both to help you introduce more wine varieties to your guests.
Or alternatively, try these summer winners:
- Monte Mayor White - light, citrusy and ideal with grilled fish or salads.
- Planalto Reserva White - floral and fresh with a mineral finish, perfect for sipping as the sun goes down.
- Esporão Reserva Red - a bold red for heartier dishes or sunset toasts.
- Borges Tawny Port - serve lightly chilled in small glasses with dessert or cheese.
Mains That Make Memories
For your main course, simplicity is key. Let the ingredients shine.
- Grilled Sardines: A Portuguese summer classic. Marinate the sardines in olive oil, garlic and lemon juice, then grill until crispy.
- Piri-Piri Chicken: Juicy and spicy, this barbecue favourite is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve the chicken with a fresh tomato salad and crusty bread.
- Suckling Pig Rolls: For something show-stopping yet easy to serve, roast suckling pig is a fantastic choice. Slice and stuff into fresh bread rolls with pickled vegetables for a fuss-free main with maximum flavour.
Sweet, Simple Finishes
End on a sweet note with traditional Portuguese treats that don’t require hours in the kitchen.
- Pastéis de Nata: Serve warm with a dusting of cinnamon.
- Figs with Walnuts: Our Figo Recheado com Noz are a fuss-free way to impress. Try with either fresh or dried figs.
- Pão de Ló: A light, airy sponge that pairs beautifully with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.
Ready to Host Like a Pro?
From nibbles and wines to meats and sweet treats, everything you need for your Portuguese summer party is just a click away at Divino.je.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute garden gathering or a big celebration, our curated range of hosting essentials makes it easy to impress.
So stock up, set the table and let the flavours of Portugal take centre stage. Saúde!