Top Tips:The Last-Minute Dinner Party
Jul 7th, 2011 by savvyclub
Dear friends,
Not everyone is comfortable catering for a dinner party … and not everyone has the luxury of several days’ notice to prepare everything.
What happens if your guests are due to arrive in an hour or two and your idea of cooking normally involves a microwave or pot noodle?
Don’t panic. You can still prepare an attractive and tasty meal and create a welcoming atmosphere in a short space of time. Just follow these simple tips for entertaining when time is of the essence.
TOP TIP:Make the most of your supermarket
Don’t panic-buy – you’ll only end up with a load of ingredients that are unusable in any combination. Focus on fresh, simple ingredients. A dinner party doesn’t have to pay homage to Nigella. Freshly baked bread, cheese, fruit, salad items and smoked salmon are good options to start with and provide a flexible foundation for your menu.
Don’t be afraid to resort to ready-made dishes, such as quiches and puddings – only, do make sure these are of the best quality. The chilled aisles are a godsend on these occasions. Several of the better supermarkets now do ‘Eat at home’ deals, offering three courses for two people plus a decent wine for just £10 or £15. You might also consider these, and then supplement them imaginatively (and use a different wine!).
TOP TIP:Be realistic about what can be achieved
The best dinner parties are the least labour-intensive. You don’t want to be in the kitchen all night while your guests are chatting away merrily without you.
If you don’t feel comfortable serving ready-made meals, go for something that you are confident in preparing. Pasta in a rich sauce accompanied by an interesting salad and a good bottle of wine (or three) will leave your guests more than happy.
TOP TIP:Presentation is everything
With a little imagination you can make the simplest meal extraordinary, and that applies equally to your evening dinner party. Choose soothing background music, lay the table attractively, and light some candles to create a delicate and intimate atmosphere.
TOP TIP:Be ready for their arrival
Your guests will be hungry when they arrive but no one will expect to sit down straight away. Provide good-quality nibbles or crudités with dips and a glass of wine (perhaps mulled, in winter) to give everyone a chance to relax before the main meal.
One of the most important tips is for you to relax. If you are tense then your guests will be tense also. Enjoy the food, wine and company and enjoy your all-smiling, just-in-time, hassle-free dinner party.
Have a great evening!
Kim Rix
The SaVVy Club®
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