Some people make entertaining look easy. The ones who always seem to have everything under control when guests arrive. They’re relaxed and happy to chat, the food is ready and the music and lighting are just right.
Being the ‘host with the most’ might seem like a superpower, but the truth is, it just takes a bit of forward planning to nail those finishing touches. With the festive season right around the corner, here are five easy ways to ensure your next get together is memorable for all the right reasons.
A warm welcome
Nothing says ‘welcome’ like a ready-made aperitif, a glass of bubbles or a refreshing cool drink on arrival. Have a grazing board ready to offer around with a choice of cheese, crackers, olives, dried fruits and nuts and you’re off to a great start.
Prep like a pro
Even if you’re cooking up a storm, try to have your kitchen under control when your guests arrive. You don’t want to be stuck in there juggling pans, plates and cleaning while your guests hang out in the other room. Prep ahead like a chef and clean as you go.
Assemble salads ahead of time so they only need dressing and a toss. Chop and par-cook your vegies or better still, have them in the oven on warm when everyone arrives. Hide your pots and utensils in the dishwasher, turn it on and before you know it, they’ll be clean.
Set your table timeline
To save time on the day of your gathering, refresh your tableware, glasses and cutlery the day before. Run them through the dishwasher with a Finish tablet and Finish Rinse & Shine Aid and they’ll come out dry, shiny and ready to go, no polishing required.
You can also set your table up for success with a seating plan. If you’re having a sit-down celebration with people who don’t know each other well, place cards are a great way to ensure the conversation flows. Work out your seating plan ahead of time so there’s no confusion on the day and everyone has a chance to get to know each other.
Sweet finish
Not everyone has a sweet tooth, but offering guests tea or coffee with fancy chocolates or bite-sized biscotti is a lovely way to finish off a gathering. (It’s also a subtle way to wrap things up if they’re eyeing off another bottle of wine and you want to go to bed.)
Ditch the clean-up
The most important finishing touch is being present for your guests. After all, it’s why you invited them over in the first place. Don’t disappear to do the dishes. Pop your plates, cutlery and glassware in the dishwasher with a Finish Ultimate Plus tablet and let it do the hard work for you. Finish’s latest generation of tablets gives an intensive clean and will even tackle your casserole dish with burnt on stains, so you can kick back and relax with your guests.
Brought to you by Finish.