It’s amazing how invites can accelerate. One moment you have a cosy night for a few friends planned, with catering a doddle and ample elbow room around the dinner table. The next, and a cascade of unannounced guests have descended on the invite list; can I bring my sister, she’s lonely this Christmas?; who wants to meet my new man?; is there room for one more? – you get the picture. The request may vary but the result is the same: a mass catering event in a micro space. Fear not, we’ve done this before. So, here are 5 IDEAL tips on hosting a large, last minute dinner party.
GET ON TOP OF YOUR MISE EN PLACE
As any chef worth his flakey salt will tell you, it’s all in the prep. Most elements of a dish, spread or feast can be prepared well in advance, ready to be removed from the fridge, heated up and finessed just before serving. Remember to add something fresh to indicate immediacy, such as freshly chopped herbs or a squeeze of citrus, and everything will feel new and just-made.
HAVE A HOG ROAST
Hosting an event centering around a hog roast feels festive, celebratory and is, quite frankly, downright delicious. It’s a triumphant thing and one which has been the focal point for centuries of celebration. For good reason, too; it’s easy, efficient and fit for any party in that it feeds great numbers.
If you don’t wish to invest in the appropriate equipment, consider hiring here, which can even be delivered pre-loaded with the meat of your choice.With the spit turning automatically and tantalising smells wafting through the air, you’re left to the hosting, schmoozing and networking; whatever takes your fancy really!
HOST A BRING-A-DISH EVENT
Although it may seem a cheat’s way out, asking your guests to each bring a dish can be the perfect way to host a party last minute. This approach is a bit pot luck, so offer an element of guidance, perhaps by setting a theme or asking for specific dishes.
If you feel uncomfortable with this level of control, simply state if a dessert, starter or side dish is required, leaving you to focus on the main event; meat, pizza, a pie…..whatever. Check out this post for easy ways to keep large amounts of food hot.
TIME FOR TAKEAWAY
If you have a week or two before your party, you could hire a caterer. But the title states ‘last minute’, so last minute it is. A cop out we know, but one which is very often most welcome; consider calling a takeaway.
Ideally, you don’t want to order everything from one place. Spread your order around a bit to increase the chances of everything being well cooked and reasonably hot. Supplement the takeaways with simple dishes like packet salads, baby tomatoes, boiled new potatoes and other easy to prepare side dishes.
SIMPLY DON’T INVITE THE WORLD AND HIS WIFE
Hey, here’s a thought; why not simply stand firm on those additional guests? You could cite lack of crockery, plates, chairs, cups, food….lack of anything really. After all, it’s your house, your time, your life, so just take control!
