Ever since I can remember, my family has been throwing parties, little get-together, and entertaining for anything and everything. This year has been the first time my boyfriend and I have really entertained on our own, and we both took notes from watching the people around us do it over the years. Entertaining can be overwhelming for first-timers. Making sure all of the necessities are in order, along with the pressure of wanting make sure everything is perfect can cause unnecessary, added stress to your life; which is why I’m here today to give you all of my tips for entertaining guests. Use these simple tips to make your life easier, and throw an absolutely flawless gathering.
Tips for entertaining:
Set the vibe
Setting the vibe is key for a good party. I personally think more open concepts are great for entertaining because it allows everyone to see and talk to the other partygoers. Typically, setting out the food and drinks on a separate table than the one everyone will be eating and relaxing at is good because it allows for more space and avoids clutter. When the weather is nice, outdoor spaces are great for this. What’s better than breathing in some fresh air, and having the ability to roam around freely?
Try picking a theme for the plates, cups, napkins, etc. For all of my birthday parties everyone always does a pink theme because it’s my favorite color, so it sets the vibe for what we’re celebrating on that day. The same goes for other parties and holidays. Sticking with a theme makes everything more festive! Depending on how fancy you want to get, you can simply stick to all paper plates, cups, and the like, or you can find a matching set and some linen napkins for a more formal gathering. The choice is yours! If you’re entertaining outside, outdoor lanterns, candles, and even fairy lights really make the vibe more magical as well.
Ask anyone attending about any food allergies
As someone who is one of two people in a family who has both Celiac Disease and severe lactose intolerance, my family has always made sure that whenever anyone is attending an event they’re throwing there is something they can eat. They don’t necessarily make every single food item gluten and dairy free, but they make sure that there’s quite a few things they can eat. They also make sure there is something there that every single person attending likes, so they’re not stuck with food they don’t.
When you’re hosting a party, it’s really important to make sure there is something there for everyone to eat. Take it from me, it is beyond annoying going somewhere and not being able to eat anything, especially after coming from a family who’s extremely conscientious about that. Make sure all of the guests will be able to eat. In 2020, it’s extremely easy to make sure there’s food there for everyone, thanks to the both the internet and markets labeling everything so clearly. Making sure there’s food for people with allergies really goes a long way with everyone.
Snacks, snacks, snacks
Besides the main food, snacks are so important for entertaining. Here are some snack ideas that everyone will love, and that I love as well:
- Cheese, Pepperoni, and Crackers.
- You can mix this up however you’d like! You can use goat cheese, cheddar cheese, Brie cheese, etc. I always have gluten free crackers and some kind of dairy free cheese with the pepperoni.
- Charcuterie Board.
- Chips & Dip.
- Dip can be any kind you want! Opt for something as simple as salsa or make a buffalo cheese dip, it’s up to you!
- Vegetables & Dip.
- Fruit.
- Popcorn.
Main food
On top of snacks, you’re going to want to make sure you have main food that will be filling. Usually having a variety of different foods that everyone can choose from or have a little bit of all is key. Get things like salad and pizza, and then decide on something bigger. If you’re having a cookout, hamburgers and hot dogs are always good; or opt for vegan chicken if that’s the kind of lifestyle you live. If you need to add in a side option, make something easy like rice, corn, or pasta salad!
Dessert
Make sure there’s something sweet for later. It doesn’t have to be a lot—cupcakes, brownies, cookies, cake pops, macaroons, or even cake will do—but you can’t have a party without some dessert. It just wouldn’t feel right.
Drinks
Grab an ice bucket and make sure it’s filled to the brim. Stock up on plenty of water first and foremost, then grab (diet) soda and juice. Also, if possible, make sure you’re able to make tea or coffee.
When it comes to alcohol, make sure there’s a variety so there’s something that everyone can have. Drinks like spiked seltzer and beer are easy and can be thrown in a cooler, and champagne and/or rosé is always a good idea. When it comes to hard liquor, I’ve found that tequila and vodka usually do for everyone, maybe scotch or bourbon if the crowd prefers that; but these liquors are easy to mix and are universally popular. Also cut up lemons, limes, and orange slices ahead of time. Mixed drinks made with fresh fruit juice and garnishes are always a good idea. Check out some of my favorite drink recipes here.
