Time Saviours

Time-Saving Entertainment Techniques

Take Back the Night
While cuisine and beverages tend to take a party’s center stage, Their preparation should never upstage the main attraction—you.

By Susan Anspach

Regardless of our placement on the economic Richter scale, it’ll be a cold December before holidays no longer carry the expectation of entertainment. But by now we’d be fools not to better appreciate the focal point of the season: actually enjoying the presence of loved ones. Trim back the tasks so you won’t be the only one out on the merriment.

Timing is Everything
Not all holiday entertaining has to center around a full spread, and your start time can serve as cue for guests’ expectations. Main Event Caterers executive director Nancy Goodman says that, for hosts not intending on serving a meal, kicking off an evening at 8 p.m. is an indication of such, “so you only have to serve—and don’t be afraid to serve—light refreshments or light hors d’oeuvres.”

Meal ticket
In the case that a full spread is called for, Goodman urges hosts to think outside the turducken. “Make it [a party] that they haven’t been to for the past two weeks,” says the director, who alternatively hails fondue as a stale-proof seasonal catchall. It’s a meal that can be prepped in advance, and whose interactive nature is quick to get guests talking.

And don’t be shy about doling out food tasks—just be specific. “A lot of times people want to bring something, but they don’t know necessarily what to bring, and sometimes it won’t fit with what I’m trying to do, and I don’t want bits and pieces,” says Main Event chef Joel Thevoz, who cites bread, wine and dessert as safe bets. “In general, bringing a dessert, whether it’s a dozen cupcakes or a pie or a cake, is always welcome. And people always eat it.”

Liquid Variety?
Lending the limelight to a signature cocktail or wine theme over food is a welcome alternative to traditional evening entertaining, Goodman says. A crushed-peppermint martini mockup and menu propped up next to a line of ingredients serve as decor that doubles as a suggestion.

And in general, hosts should be advised to limit their variety of beverages, Thevoz says. “So if you’re going to go with a spirit, I would suggest doing just one spirit. And to make things simpler, premix it,” he suggests, citing mulled wine, hot buttered rum and ciders as simple recipes that can be quickly heated at go time.

Party Favors

By Kristin Elber

There’s no need to do everything for your holiday party. Your guests are coming anyway, so put them to good use, and let them help make your party planning and preparations just a little easier. Ask your guests to …

Prepare a dish
Recruit the cooking talents of your culinary-minded guests, but be specific as to types of dishes you’d like them to prepare. Eight plates of cookies and no appetizers may pose a problem.

Bring something to donate
Have guests bring a canned good to donate to an area food shelter. Helping others will put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

RSVP
Nothing is worse than planning for 20 and having 40 guests arrive, so ask all your guests to RSVP (no “regrets only”).

Buy their own alcohol
Alcohol can get expensive, so to trim party costs, ask your guests to bring their favorite beer or wine to share—this way, everyone’s tastes are satisfied.

Participate in an activity
Whether it’s an ugly Christmas sweater contest or a gift exchange, get your guests in the party mentality before they even arrive.

(December 2009)