Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve are creeping up, and parties are abounding. If you have decided to take the onus of throwing a dinner party upon yourself this festive season, fret not. With a few
easy tips and tricks, planning ahead and learning to go with the flow, you will breeze through the party season while also having a good time.
Remember, all the things you prep before the party will set you up for success during the big day.
During the festive season, there are a lot of party invites doing the rounds and being a thoughtful host is about ensuring every guest you have invited feels at home. They could’ve been anywhere that night, but they chose to spend time with you. And it is vital to make every moment count and spend your time with them. It is important that you have a good time because throwing a party during this season is no small feat. And this will become much easier when you keep things in balance and prepare, prepare, prepare.
Lyan – the world’s most awarded bartender – shares a few creative and simple tips with the Daily Mail for elevating your gathering without overdoing it.
Elevate your snack game
Whether it is some chips and dips or a plate of finger sandwiches and mini burger, the appetisers set the mood of the party. You don’t want to serve your guests average food or have it not be sufficient. Get inventive on the snack front, as it is a guaranteed way to get your guests grazing – a top tip for slowing alcohol absorption, shares Lyan.
Make simple, vibrant dishes that are perfect for sharing but will impress any guests – devilled eggs with mayonnaise mixed with sambal oelek and garnished with anchovies or a delicious ceviche marinated with leche de tigre, red onion, cilantro and chilli. Think of food that are easy to prepare in advance, will taste better with time, and that elevates your gathering. You can also pair drinks with particular foods and write your suggestions to encourage guests to give them a try.
Try zebra striping
When you are the host, getting tipsy is not the elegant way to go. Enjoy your bevvy but keep things simple. One option is a tactic known as zebra striping, shares Lyan, where you switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s a straightforward way to drink less without even thinking about it, helping you feel more engaged and present.
Earlier, if you wanted to keep the party alcohol free, you were stuck with serving the limited to mass-market soft drinks. But that’s not the case anymore. There are a lot of zero-proof alcohols, healthy prebiotic sodas, etc, available in the market. No one has to feel left out.
Make water a centrepiece
If you think water is boring, think again! It can become a signature item on your grazing table with just a few tweaks. Make your ice fancy by adding fruits, herbs, edible glitter, food colour, etc. to the water before freezing it. You can also add herbs, limes, lemons, and other fruits like strawberries to your water jugs, making it a standout drink in its own right.
Another citrussy delight is blood orange – and there’s something about its rich red colour that feels suitably festive! Jazzing up your water jugs will keep your guests coming back for more.
Provide an extra coaster
Ever found yourself gasping for water at a dinner party, only to find you don’t have an empty glass? If you’re serving a sit-down meal, giving everyone an extra coaster when you set the table will avoid this situation – and save you from constantly running back to the cupboard.
