Inviting people over always seems like a great idea. Captivated by the prospect of more face time with the ones we cherish or connecting deeper with friends or family, we open our doors, pick a weeknight that doesn’t seem too hectic, and promise to take care of everything. Then the day arrives, and panic ensues. What will you serve? Where will everyone sit? Do you need appetizers? Dessert? Gaaaa! Before you chastise weekend-you for making plans for weeknight-you, take a deep breath and read through these tips for easy weeknight entertaining.
1. When people ask if they can bring something, always say yes.
Simply put, it’s one less thing to worry about. Start a group text chain a few days in advance reminding everyone what time to come over. Inevitably someone will ask if they can bring something. Take them up on it! No one expects you to go all out all by yourself. Unless you’re throwing a fancy-schmancy dinner party with six chef-curated courses and wine pairings, let your guests bring booze, appetizers, desserts — whatever they’d like. Tell them it would be greatly appreciated. With any luck, you can cross a few things off of your list. Plus, if anyone is a picky eater or has dietary restrictions, they’re sure to enjoy the dish they provide.
2. Stock your bar in advance.
Are your guests wine drinkers? Have some bottles chilled and enough clean glasses ready. Beer? Stock the fridge. Cocktails? Get a few liquor varieties and make sure you have enough ice, mixers, and garnishes. And be sure to have some non-alcoholic options to choose from. This is an easy task to offload to a significant other with a spare hand.
3. Always have backup appetizers.
They’re an easy party lifesaver to bust out at the last minute if the person bringing your app is late, cancels, or if your main course is running fashionably behind schedule. Cheese and crackers keep for months, as do nuts, olives, cured meats, and dried fruits. If you don’t end up using them, no worries. Save them for another occasion or enjoy them yourself.
4. Time your main course.
Plan an entreé that either takes a very long time or a very short time to cook. What you’re going for is minimal time spent over the stove after your guests arrive. Pot roast and lasagna are universally loved and spend an hour or more in the oven, and both are happy to sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes until dinnertime. Angel hair pasta and shrimp cook in minutes, as does flank steak on a grill. Add a green salad (prepped ahead of time) and a loaf of crusty bread to any of these and you have a perfect meal.
5. Clean your house, sort of.
Picking up around the area your guests will be and cleaning the bathroom are important, but don’t feel like you need to dust your baseboards or scrub down your shower an hour before they arrive. And whatever you do, don’t answer the door and immediately apologize for “the mess” in the space that you cleaned. Just don’t.
6. Create ambiance.
It’s amazing how the right music can set the mood. You know your guests and what they like to listen to. Make sure it’s not too loud so as to drown out conversation. If your house already smells like your delicious dinner, great! If not, fire up a candle or two to freshen it up.
The most important part of entertaining is, once people arrive, you should relax and have fun. If your guests immediately sense your sky-high stress level it will be hard for them to enjoy themselves. Don’t run around the kitchen at a frenetic pace, even if you’re behind schedule. Remember that they came over to see you and spend time with you, not to judge you.
