Tips for stress-free entertaining

Cinzia Cuneo 8 December, 2014 Christmas

When you have to do a spot of entertaining, the preparations can get a bit overwhelming. So panic sets in.

And yet entertaining should actually be good fun.

Here are some tips for successful, stress-free entertaining and chilled out hosts…

One week before D-day:

• Clean your home so that you’re free to do other stuff on the day of the party.
• Make place in the refrigerator. And if you need more space, use the balcony (if the outside temperature permits). A camping cooler might also come in really handy.
• Plan the menu by selecting dishes that can be prepared beforehand, so as to have more time for unexpected glitches at the last minute.
• Make a list of things to do on the day of the party to avoid surprises.
• Make a list of all the required ingredients and shop for as many as you can. Don’t forget the drinks.

The day before D-day:

• Set the table. It’s OK to mix crockery and utensils: they’ll look nice on a pretty tablecloth.
• If you’re hosting a buffet, organize chafing dishes to warm up the dishes.
• Prepare the desserts and all the food that can be warmed up.

D-day:

• Strictly follow the to-do list.
• Make sure the dishwasher is empty so you can pop in dirty plates as and when.
• Keep a tray of appetizers or crudités ready so that your first guests don’t starve while waiting for latecomers.
• Create the mood with candles and some appropriate music.
• Make sure your spouse and/or children will be there to look after your guests, while you’re busy in the kitchen.
• Once your cooking is over, take a final look around your house to tidy up any last minute mess, see if everything is in place and go get decked up.

A few golden rules:

• Don’t attempt anything you’ve never cooked before; it’s better to stick to recipes you’ve already mastered.
• Don’t hesitate to ask your family for help during the preparation.
• Avoid using air freshener in the house: The aroma of good food will be much more appealing to your guests.
• Only invite people that you like: In case something goes wrong, they’ll be more forgiving!

Stuck for inspiration? Choose one of our 7 Holiday Time suggestions from our Christmas section. You’ll find menus adapted to different tastes, requirements or allergies, all the recipes, grocery list as well as our step-by-step action plan.

Happy entertaining!

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Cinzia Cuneo

Cinzia Cuneo, founder of SOSCuisine.com, never wanted to neglect the quality of her food. She shares her special expertise to make good food quickly and without complications!

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