Host with the most
Eating in is so much better than braving the cold in winter. Here’s our cheat’s guide to entertaining like a pro.
Keep the champers chilled
You never know when friends might pop by unexpectedly. Even take-away pizzas can be fancied up with a great glass – or three – of chilled MCC.
The freezer (and pantry) is your friend
No canapés? Pop a glass of wine into each guest’s hand as you defrost some of those edamame beans you stashed in the freezer, to serve with a bowl of the soy sauce for dipping. Alternatively blitz a tin of drained chickpeas with a garlic clove, squeeze of lemon and drizzle of olive oil to serve as a dip with chips or veggie crudités.
Create a DIY bar
Ain’t nobody got time for running around topping up glasses. Set out a range of wines, drinks, glasses and water jugs, and let your friends help themselves.
Don’t take on too much
You’re not going to have any fun if you spend the entire time in your kitchen waiting for the hollandaise to emulsify or the soufflés to rise. Pick one showstopper and rope in a bit of help with the rest. Something like Easy To Cook Pulled Pork Shoulder piled onto toasted buns, served with some creamy coleslaw and charred corn.
Send ’em off good and proper
Dessert’s been served and folks are starting to make a move towards home. End the evening on a high note. Brew some great coffee and pass around a slab of dark chocolate.