By Keeva Stratton
With Masterchef fever still lingering and the new craze of uploading photos of your latest culinary creation to Facebook in vogue, it’s no wonder that the thought of inviting friends over can seem daunting. But with RESCU’s tips, you won’t need the skills of Nigella Lawson to impress as a superb hostess – just follow these simple tips for a night of fun and frivolity that won’t fray the nerves.
The invite list
Although you may appreciate the wild flair of your eternally youthful, extroverted pal while being equally admiring of your other close friends, the devoutly moral and conservative couple – it may not be ideal to spark ideological discomfort over the first course – think about your guest list, and, while not excluding a little spice, try to avoid any major fireworks.
Decoration
If you’re not a culinary whiz, perhaps decorating is your way to impress. A simple and elegant feel can be created with a few candles; or add colour and pizzazz with flowers and bright napkins.
Don’t worry if your plates aren’t a perfect match; mix them up to create an interesting yet fun setting. Markets can also be an affordable way of picking up candelabras and kitsch glassware that’ll get your guests talking.
A quick clean for comfort
To make your guests feel comfortable, a clean bathroom (which includes the removal of any private items to truly put your guests at ease), a clean toilet with an ample supply of toilet paper, clean hand towels, hand wash and plenty of serviettes, are a must.
If, to prepare your gastronomic wonder, you will create a mess of volcanic (albeit artistic) proportions, you may want to rethink the menu – as there is nothing as off-putting as mess in the kitchen. And it goes without saying that cutlery and glasses should be clean and presentable.
Getting prepared
Are there any vegans, any vegetarians, any food allergies? A good host can no longer assume, and the key is to ask and have an emergency plan in place, be it take-away, or heat and eat, ready and waiting.
To take the pressure out of dinner, think about simple yet impressive fare such as an antipasto starter, which can be constructed from olives, marinated mushrooms, stuffed peppers and sliced meats, all conveniently purchased from your local deli.
Equally simple is a cheese plate – a hard sharp cheese, such as cheddar, alongside a soft and creamy brie or camembert, a handful of muscatels, quince paste, walnuts and bread. If you’re not sure what to pick, talk to your local providore and the hard work is done. (To learn more about cheese, Cheese Matters is a fantastic Australian website to get you started.)
Make it simple
Prepare as much in advance as possible, so you can be part of and enjoy the evening. Dishes that bake are ideal for winter months, as not only do they warm and satisfy, but most of the hard work is done prior to the guests arriving. Simple salads (which need only to be dressed last minute) can make for easy, light accompaniments.
Express who you are in what you serve. You might think your family traditions are a bit simple or mundane, but to your guests your grandmother’s lasagna, your Aunty’s curry, or your mother’s famed hummus, might be quite the treat. Better still, if you’re really pressed for time, you may even be able to sweet talk a relative into helping you with the preparation.
Why not try a Chinese-style steamboat? – all the vegetables and meats can be prepared well in advance, and guests will have a lot of fun with this novel yet wonderfully communal way of cooking.
Unless you’re a pastry chef, consider buying dessert. It will make life very easy, and anything from cupcakes to petit fours make for an easy but sweet end to your meal.
Divine drinking
If you’re not a viticulturalist or an avid wine connoisseur, a simple way to select good wine is to be guided by region. For Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand’s Marlborough region offers crisp and fresh varieties; more locally, the Hunter Valley and Margaret River tend to be more fruity in nature and are good regions for Chardonnay, while the Barossa is famous for her Shiraz, McLaren Vale for smooth Merlot, and the Yarra Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon.
For rich and robust meals, pair with a bold red wine; for fish and poultry white wine, seafood pairs nicely with a Rosé; and boutique beers are the perfect accompaniment to a rich curry or spicy cuisine. Champagne or Sparkling Wines are a light way to start and guarantee bubbly conversation.
To learn more about great local and international wines, Nicks is a Melbourne based wine seller, whose newsletter is rife with great hints and tips.
The event itself
Take time to greet your guests and make sure you introduce them to each other, and ideally mention a common interest to get them chatting. Make sure you circulate, so everyone feels included. Have drinks ready to go, including chilled water, and try not to fluster or hide away in the kitchen.
Remember, your friends have come to see you and to enjoy a casual affair. If they wanted a chef hat meal they would have gone to a restaurant. Relax, have fun and be forgiving, and no doubt your guests will also.
More Rescu. articles you may enjoy:
1. RESCU’s Semillon wine cheat sheet
2. Stop and smell the rosé: RESCU’s Rosé wine cheat sheet
3. Wines to serve for special occasion dinners
4. Learn the art of Wine Tasting
5. Gourmet Meals on a Fast Food Budget: Five Tips To Fast Yet Fulfilling Eating
6. Bubble Trouble: A Beginner’s Guide to Drinks that Truly Sparkle