On being a host.....

Having people around at your place and entertaining them is as simple as it can be. I have been lucky enough to be invited to several parties at homes of the most wonderful people I have come to know. I have been a hostess myself on a few occasions and I am going to write about few tips, tricks and cheats on playing a host.

In the hard financial times that we are in, we end up not entertaining people because of the cost involved in doing so. What I have realized is that it is us who make it complicated in trying hard to impress our guests when it is not necessary.

Another factor with entertaining is a healthy meal, we tend to use rich ingredients which are not only expensive but also unhealthy. There is no rule at such that the meals prepared for parties should include such rich contents. You would be surprised that most guests will not appreciate the "exotic" or "expensive" ingredients that you have used. So what I suggest is why not make it simple, delicious, low cost and above all HEALTHY!!

These are some tips....They are not in any particular order. You can follow what you think suits you best, if you think you have any better tips, go ahead and implement them.

• Observation is key. You will be surprise of what you will learn by observing your host when you are invited to theirs. Don't observe too hard and make it too obvious. You don't need to put so much effort, you will see it as the party progresses. There are various shows on the telly like Come dine with me which I have watched which has given me ideas about being a host. Not only the telly but the various cookbooks that I read are full of great ideas and tips on having people around.
• Set a budget. When you decide on having people around, just mentally or in a notebook set aside a budget that you are willing to spend. This is totally up to you depending on your affordability. What I have learnt is that parties can be held with any sort of budget. There would be various ingredients in your store cupboard that you can use. A budget gives you a guideline on your spending.
• Plan a menu. Which should not be that hard when you know how much you are going to spend. I mostly plan a menu based on what I have at home. I know we are all busy and we don't have the time to slog in the kitchen for hours, so plan a menu which you can prepare in advance. If not all atleast a few items. I like to plan a menu on these three criteria. You  might think its silly but really works for me. I would cook either of the course using the oven, the stove, and the third would be no cooking required at all. How easy can that be? You can make a hearty vegetable pie using the oven, rice using the stove and fruit yoghurt whereby no cooking is involved. Make sure the menu is healthy  which you can eat guilt free whilst watching your weight. In my other blogs I will be writing to you such recipes and ideas on menu planning.
• Prepare things in advance. Here I mean is make sure your house is cleaned, which you can do a day before. There is no clutter around. Arrange things in there right places. By doing so, will leave you with time to get yourself ready. (Not only the house but YOU have to look great) and above all you will be relaxed by the time the guests arrive.
• I don't like my house to be overly decorated what I prefer is a good fragrance when the guests enter. A vase of flowers and some candles burning would make all the difference.
• When a few hours are remaining for the party, or you can do this in advance, wash and dry your cutlery which you are going to be using. Cutlery does not have to be grand, a round white plate is as extravagant as it can be.
• Create a comforting ambience by soft music playing in the background. Be as comfortable as it can be. Make your guests feel special and warm by your  million dollar smile!
• When you have prepared everything in advance, you will have the time to be with your guests. That's the main part, the delicious meal would be wasted if you have spend more time in the kitchen than with your guests. The best parties are the ones where the host and the hostess are having fun. This spirit will make the guests easy and relaxed.

We are all learning, there is no right or wrong and there is no perfect host. You have to do what pleases you and makes you comfortable.

Until than, stay relaxed and enjoy life!!

This blog is dedicated to my two favourite Aunt's who I think are perfect hostesses!!