Easy Entertaining

Happy summer!  It’s party season, time for picnics, BBQs and dinner parties.  If you're planning on hosting a dinner party here are some tips to ensure easy, stress free entertaining.

1. Have a shared dish party, where everyone brings a contribution.  This is a very cost effective option and easy on the host.  You can be in charge of the main course and your guests can volunteer to bring other items or dishes such as cheese and dips, salad, dessert or drinks.  Guaranteed to create a fantastic feast with more than enough food.

2. Focus on one feature dish – a deluxe dessert or succulent main and keep everything else simple.  This way you only have one thing to concentrate on and more time to enjoy your guests company.  Visit a gourmet deli for some cheeses and crackers and arrange on a platter for entrée   For dessert buy a moreish ice-cream or mousse (I love Maggie Beers Burnt Fig, Honeycomb and Caramel Ice Cream) and serve in Martini glasses.

3. Keep in mind seasonal ingredients when planning a menu.  Not only is it more affordable to use ingredients which are local and in season, you won't get caught out having to substitute or use frozen food.

4. Be prepared!  Make as much as possible in advance.  You can make dips, salad and dessert all before the event day.  If you’re having a BBQ you can pre-make salads, meat balls, veggie skewers – then all you need to do is fire up the BBQ and cook.  Everyone can then help themselves.

5. Table settings – try a pot of fresh herbs or some native greenery/sticks/flowers foraged from your garden or different size pillar candles.  Play around and have fun, you'll be surprised by what can look good from items you already have at home.

6. Serve a signature cocktail or welcome drink, for my housewarming I served shot glasses of Bloody Mary.

7. Have a theme – it doesn’t need to be dress up, you could have a pizza night where you make fresh dough and have an abundance of toppings for guests to get creative and make their own pizzas.

8. Finger food or bowl food can be a great option if you don't have much space for guests to sit and eat.  Just make sure the food is filling and substantial so no one goes home for cheese on toast.

I hope these tips ensure your next party is stress free and affordable.  I'd love to hear your entertaining tips?

Elise xo