Everyone is so busy during the holiday season that the only way to see old friends may be to host an impromptu event. It is possible to minimize your effort and create a memorable cocktail party or dinner party. You can pull off any improvised get-together by following a few simple steps.
1. Keep a Well-Stocked Kitchen
Easy entertaining starts with being prepared. During the holiday season, I take no chances. I pack my pantry and fridge with entertaining essentials. Nuts, olives, chips, nachos and dips are lifesavers.
Other must have condiments are jars of mini gherkins and pickled onions. They can garnish your martinis or complement a charcuterie platter. If I entertain more than 6 persons, I usually split my charcuterie platter into two trays.
2. Serve Familiar Dishes
Don’t try any new culinary experience. Instead, cook a delicious, easy to make dish from your repertoire. To cut your shopping time, select recipes with ingredients available at your local grocer.
There is nothing wrong with buying a savory pie from a local shop or serving a stew that was in your freezer.
3. Dress the Table
Even if your meal is not ready, as long as the table is set, your guests will know that you were expected them. Create an instant centerpiece by placing baubles, lemons or vegetables in a clear vase.
If you are running late on cooking, invite your guests to the kitchen, relax and chat with them as they sip their welcome cocktail and you cook dinner. And if someone offers to help, gladly accept the offer.
4. Keep your Bar List to the Minimum
Unless you hired a bartender for your party, opt for one or two cocktails that can be prepared in a pitcher. And it is OK to stick to wine and beers.
If you don’t have a wine fridge, keep a few bottles of white wine bottle in your refrigerator. Get it out minutes before your guests arrive to have it at the right temperature. Did you know that LG Blast Chiller could chill a room temperature bottle of wine in just eight minutes?
5. Quick Cleaning around the House
As long as you pick up the clutter, clean the powder room, and make room in the entryway for coats and boots, you will be all right. If possible, start the party with an empty dishwasher.
My Last Advice
Great conversations in a fun ambiance will go a long way. Whatever you do, remember that your friends come to see you. Pass time with them.
About our Sponsor
The LG Blast Chiller, available in the 3-Door Super Capacity French-Door refrigerator (LFX31935), can chill a room temperature, 12oz beverage in five minutes or a bottle of wine in just eight minutes. By comparison, a typical refrigerator takes about 40 minutes to accomplish this task – even in the freezer. This refrigerator is also among the largest capacity 36-inch refrigerators currently on the market, offering almost 20 percent more space and the ability to store over 50 gallons of milk.
To view entertaining blast or chill content and share your own blast or chill moments, visit the LG USA Facebook page or website.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by LG via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of LG
