It’s that time of year again when everybody starts panicking about how busy it is and wondering how they are going to manage to fit in some entertaining of their own. Whether it be family, corporate or friends it can often be a daunting prospect. On a tight budget and time poor, how are you going to do it? Here are some simple tips to help your event run seamlessly so that you too can have a stress free time. Plan exactly how you want the day to go before you send out invitations.Is there a theme? How many guests ? Venue? Decorations/ decor ? Decide on a time that coincides with your budget. For example does your budget cover feeding guests a full meal or is it meant to be a light snack? Holding an event early afternoon and including a light snack i.e. canapés indicates to your guests that this is an event that is fairly short, 2-3 hours. Sending out invitations stating a start/ finish time also helps to clarify this point and may help if the budget is tight or your time is limited. It may also entice those with children to get a babysitter as they know it is just a brief affair. During busy periods such as Christmas guests often appreciate this as they are trying to fit several events into a day or week. What is most important to you on this day? Is it doing all the hard yards beforehand so that you can actually relax (to some extent ) on the day and mingle with your guests? Decide how you want your budget to be spent. Can you afford a caterer and staff? Can you afford some staffing/help? Can you call on friends to assist? Being a caterer, if I was to entertain for myself I would probably opt to do all of the work beforehand and then look to hire someone on the day. This would probably be a chef/ cook and a waiter (depending on the size of the function). Plan a menu of finger food that is simple to execute.Simple food done well is far better than not pulling off something way to complicated that is going to cause stress. Be smart,choose a varied menu that uses some items that you have prepared and some convenience foods.My Asian supplier does great frozen dumplings, and the organic markets do samosas. Talk to your local Thai take away about doing you some fishcakes in bulk. My Malaysian girlfriend makes a delicious chicken curry and I know would be more than happy to make for me if I asked her. If you avoid using the main stream supermarket preprepared foods your guests will be impressed even if you didn’t cook it yourself.The main thing is providing variety and flavour. On the day have the bar and food organised. An hour before your event is to take place have your staff arrive. Give yourself half an hour to clearly explain how you would like the evening to your chef /waiter/ bar person. Take time to also list important points i.e. a runs sheet or list which order you would like food to be served. Remember the more information the staff have before the event means the less they will bother you during the event so they will do their job and leave you alone to enjoy the evening. In most cases staffing is flexible so only book for what you need.Once the food is served the chef can leave.The bar person can stay on, but if you are on a tight budget perhaps self serve will work for bar. Now you are free to get dressed and enjoy the evening with your guests.
Simple Mini Quiche 1 packet puff pastry 5 eggs 600 ml thickened cream 300 gm bacon 1 packet grated cheese 1 bunch parsley Heat oven to 200-220 C. Defrost puff pastry. Grease 2 x 12 mini muffin trays. Use the lid of the spray oil to cut out puff pastry rounds. Line the tins with the puff. In a medium stainless bowl whisk the eggs and cream with a little salt and pepper. Chop the parsley and put aside.Cut the bacon into small squares. Place a little chopped bacon and grated cheese into each pastry shell.Top with the egg mixture (use a jug with lip for less mess). Sprinkle with chopped parsley and place in hot oven. Cook until the pastry is golden and egg is set, about 10 mins. Remove from oven and cool slightly.Place on a wire rack to completely cool. These may be served at room temperature or re heated before serving. They are very popular with adults and children! Enjoy??
