The holidays are coming! Whether you are hosting THE Thanksgiving Dinner or you just want to be one of those people who can host an impromptu gathering with little effort, the key is doing the things you are good at, and outsourcing the things you are not good at. Make a few recipes that you are comfortable with, and purchase the other items. Here are some tips and tricks for easy entertaining.
1. Keep your pantry and fridge full. Pantry items are perfect for putting out in a pinch and take little to no work. Nuts, crackers, chips, olives, jams, and pickles all have long shelf lives. Smoked salmon, cheeses, and salamis stay good in the fridge for a long time, too. Pick up some interesting versions at Trader Joe’s and keep them on hand. Truffle potato chips with crème fraîche and smoked salmon make an immediately elegant appetizer. If you have time, add some fresh dill. It’s all about the presentation.
2. Have a few go-to restaurants to order in for a group. Many restaurants offer platters and holiday dinners for pick up. Have them prepare some or all of the dinner. Order ahead and present them on your own platters with additional garnish, such as fresh herbs. Pair your feast with some special wines and your guests will feel like you went “all out.”
3. Keep nice paper goods on hand. Depending on how many people you plan on entertaining, post-party mess can be a deterrent. Keep your labor down by ordering some nicer paper goods and nice plastic glassware to minimize clean-up. These can get pricey, so stock up when you see them at Home Goods.
4. Stock your bar or freezer with a signature drink. Keep a few bottles of nice wine ready to drink. A bottle of red, white, and sparkling should cover most people’s preferences. Or keep a cocktail ready to go in your freezer, like the one below.
Freezer Door Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
1 750 ml. bottle of vodka
3 ½ tbsp. instant espresso powder
9 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. water
Instructions: Pour off 10 oz. of vodka from the bottle. Add espresso powder, Kahlua, and water. Shake well and keep in the freezer. Serve over ice. Garnish with a coffee bean if you have one.
5. Have a few good playlists ready. Music can help break the ice and add to the ambiance. Depending on the type of gathering, search Spotify for appropriate music. They already have lists that are usually good to keep on a loop.
The most important part of entertaining is just doing it. Guests are always happy to be included in any kind of gathering, so the easier you make them, the more often you’ll have them. Also remember that guests come with little expectations and usually want to contribute. Let them! The point is to spend time with your guests. The less time you spend cooking and cleaning, the more time you spend with your friends and family.
