Dine In: Friends & Family Get Together
You know what they say, sharing is caring. But it’s been a little tricky to do that of late so why not stave off hibernation season a bit longer and throw a dinner party for your nearest and dearest?
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may finally be able to invite your family and friends over for a get together, or if someone in your family is vulnerable or shielding, how about setting a date for food sharing fun in your family bubble?
A Sunday roast with meat front and centre of the menu might seem a little dated these days so why not mix it up with shareable platters to encourage all day grazing. Take your pick from seasonal recipes, superfood salads, vegetarian options and speciality breads plus sweet baking to serve beautifully in some of the new cool kitchen and homewares you may have picked up in lockdown.
Hostess With the Mostest
Fine dining with family doesn’t need to be fancy. Having been either separated for so long or stuck in the same house for forever, you won’t want to be crammed in the kitchen for hours of preparation. You’ll want to be chatting with the ones you love, so that suggests a casual dining experience where your guests can catch up after ‘long time no see’ over pick and mix eats and treats, easy to mix and mingle and eat on the hoof, from distance with fingers or a fork.
Set up your dining table and chairs informally, with plenty of space, keeping it light on work for you and big on variety for guests. You might want to kick off with cocktails or mocktails set up on a drinks trolley or table. That way your guests can help themselves and you’re not tied to hostess duties all but can finally spend time with your friends.
Keeping it informal with an array of different all-day dishes also means you can ensure that there’s something for everyone. You can serve up child-friendly food like sausage rolls and wraps as well as spicier dishes and exotic salads that the grown-ups will enjoy. Sharing menus don’t just restrict you to cold platters either, you can always have a tray of baked potatoes in a low oven and serve hot one-pot dishes for supper like a chilli or curry from the slow cooker or an oven to table casserole.
Treat Yourself
When it comes to dessert how about a fun and practical self-serve pudding option like a chocolate fountain? As well as being seriously good fun and a treat for all the family, you get to feel good about helping everyone achieve their 5 a day, because rivers of melted chocolate isn’t compulsory!
For those who aren’t drinking you could set up a beverage point with a tray, one of our cool kettles and tonal mugs, adding bowls of fruit teas and coffee, like in a hotel, for guests to help themselves during the day. It really takes the pressure off you and helps everyone feel welcome and relaxed as they enjoy time in each other’s company.
Finally, when the party is over don’t forget to pop any leftovers in the fridge for weekday pack-ups and quick and easy suppers using our wide array of glass storage. The perfect alternative to plastic and better at keeping food super-fresh and sealed in the fridge.
