Entertaining with Ease
As we begin to put the pandemic behind us, and look to return to our normal lives of social occasion and enjoyment, many of us will now be planning time with friends and family and welcoming them into our homes freely.
There is often nothing nicer than enjoying an evening with loved ones in the comfort of your four walls, but sometimes hosting such an occasion can be a daunting task, and finding new and unique ways to wow your invitees is a challenge.
With this is mind, we take a look at some fresh and fabulous ways of entertaining in your home. Whether hosting two or twenty, we have some simple and easy ideas to take your home gatherings from taxing to relaxing.
Just the Two of Us
Often, the best way to enjoy a night in your home, can be with just one other person, whether that be a partner, friend or family member – these small gatherings can be the perfect opportunity to hone your hosting skills with some simple and effective touches.
The location can often be key for such a night, and whether planning a home-cooked gourmet dining experience or a relaxed night in with a film, there are many simple ways to give the space a little extra something. If opting for a more formal setting, why not set placemats, cutlery and crockery ready to go, even trying your hand at some DIY touches - such as freshly foraged greenery wrapped around a cloth napkin.
Consider crafting a statement centrepiece for your table to elevate the occasion; this could be anything from a vase of fresh flowers from the garden to a display of candles or battery lights….etc . Finish off the scene with a specially cooked meal and your dinner party for two is good to go!
And, if your ideal night for two is something a little more informal, it is just as easy to transform that into something special and a little different too.
A themed movie night can be great fun whether it’s 80s classics or a Bridget Jones trilogy, or perhaps you insist on matching lounge wear so you can relax in style!
Cosy up your room with blankets and cushions to create a relaxed feel and you could also add a strip of LED lights to the back of the TV to add a sense of real theatre! Finish off with a table of snacks and drinks, so you can snuggle down in front of the movie without having to go through the hassle of refilling your dish of popcorn every half an hour.
Family Friendly
Instead of a meal for two, how about creating a family friendly occasion instead.
When there is just half a dozen or so of you, an informal kitchen supper would be ideal –all piled around the table sharing food is a great way to catch up, enjoy a couple of hours together and also teach younger ones the basics of table manners and sociable eating, as well as expand their taste bud range.
Perhaps the challenge you are most often tackling is how to keep the attention of your little ones for an extended period of time; why not break out a family favourite board game to play whilst dinner is cooking or simply try one of these hands free dinner game ideas to add a splash of extra excitement to your dinner.
Larger Gatherings
Once confident with your entertaining ability, perhaps now is the time to host your very own house party; a classy and elegant way of showing off your hosting prowess to a multitude of people at once.
Catering for these occasions can often be a challenge, but there are many easy ways to feed the masses successfully. Simply start with bowls of nibbles on arrival: roasted vegetable crisps, nuts and olives are the perfect way to go – easy to prepare and the perfect way to manage people’s appetites with little hassle. For the main event, there is no need to offer a full meal, cheese and wine is often a well-received alternative. Either purchase a selection of varying cheeses, or for a cheaper and unique alternative, why not ask your guests to bring their own personal favourite; providing the crackers, condiments and a safe selection of well-loved alternatives.
And if cheese is not your thing – simply bob to your local supermarket or takeaway and lay out a spread of everyone’s favourite finger food, the perfect way to cater for your guests’ appetite whilst still being able to enjoy the night yourself: present on boards, slates, or tiles and you’re good to go!
Finishing touches
A party always has a playlist so, as a little personal touch, you could message guests prior to the event and ask them to provide their favourite song so that you can incorporate it. It’s a fun way to make guests feel really welcome.
The smallest room in the house will undoubtedly be visited too so why not pop in some candles (LED battery powered ones are super safe), hand creams and fresh flowers for that really elegant touch.
In the warmer months you could also create an indoor outdoor experience with alternative seating dotted around such as bean bags, pouffes, and even hay bales. With blankets and fire pits it’s the perfect way to enjoy an evening with friends and family.
Whatever you have planned within your homes, we hope that you feel confident and ready to entertain your guests with ease. Feel free to share your snaps with us @MillerHomesUK. Happy hosting!