Entertaining Guests
Entertaining guests at home is a far less formal affair than it used to be, but getting it all organised can still be a daunting prospect. Follow our simple Party Planning Guide to avoid the stress and you can get on with serious business of enjoying yourself.
- First decide on a date, guest list and theme. Give people plenty of notice to book their diaries and send out invites. If you telephone them you can get response straight away, otherwise be sure to get them to RSVP.
- It’s a good idea to check if any of your guests are allergic to anything or have special dietary requirements.
- Think about the mix of people you’re inviting and how they will get along - you want everyone to enjoy themselves.
- Cater to your ability and don’t be overambitious - you don’t want to spend the whole time in the kitchen. Pick something you have cooked before rather than experiment with a new dish and try and plan food you can make ahead. Prepared deli or takeaway food is perfectly acceptable these days.
- Choose wine that will suit the food and not overpower or be overpowered by the flavours. White wine for white meat, red wine for red meat is the general rule, but you don’t have to stick to it. Also remember to provide some non-alcoholic drinks for the drivers.
- Make sure you’ve got enough plates, knives, forks, glasses and chairs. If not, borrow or hire the extras you need.
- Think about decorations. It could be simple candles or more elaborate with balloons and streamers or fairy lights.
- Music should be used to add atmosphere but not be too intrusive.
Whoever you’re entertaining and whatever the formality of the event, it is always reassuring to have everything at your disposal. From a full set of crockery and serving utensils to beautiful table cloths and accompanying accessories; you can never have too much, providing that is you can store it between each of your little get-togethers.
Through this collection of Buyer’s Guides we hope to offer a few helpful suggestions to help ensure that whenever you are entertaining, guests are left in awe. We’ll guide you through the various products and accompaniments that’ll help bring some real quality and swing to your shindig, as well as a few survival hints too.
