When we make parties, receptions, or gatherings, we like to serve some kind of light refreshment. Ideally, if we had a lot of time and money at our disposal, the menu would be very elaborate, with all manner of gateaux, desserts, fancy mousses, tortes, and other culinary works of art. But for most of us, this is way out of reach. Who has the time and energy to make all of these masterpieces, or the money to buy them?
When you are juggling work, raising children, and then entertaining guests, you will not have enough time in the kitchen. The trick here is to make the most out of the time you do have and work smarter, not harder.
The answer, therefore, is to find refreshments that are easy and simple to make but can still taste and look great. Here are some ideas for a quick and easy table for a party at home:
- A buffet is perfect for family gatherings. Everyone can serve themselves and sit with whoever they like. This makes the atmosphere of the entire party more relaxed and informal - as all family gatherings should be. Nobody should feel aloof and this is the perfect time to let loose. You are spared the trouble of preparing individual portions like that required in a sit-down meal and you can even enlist the help of siblings and cousins in your preparations.
- Make a colorful table with vegetable dips. Slice vertically carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers. Then put out a selection of dips, such as Thousand Island dressing, garlic sauce, avocado salad, and homemade tahini. All of these are easy to make, don't cost a lot, and make the dinner table look very vivid. For some more variety and as a filler, put out a selection of cheeses, with crackers and rolls. This makes a light, delicious, and beautiful buffet table.
- If you are interested in cakes, the simplest kind to make is cupcakes. These involve a one-bowl batter that can be spooned into the cases and put into the oven. But that doesn't have to be the end of the story. These days, cupcakes (or fairy cakes or patty cakes, depending on where you come from) are no longer simple little bakery items in paper cases. You can find a wealth of ideas, from the inventive snowman cupcake to roses, bluebirds and more. With a little creativity, confectioner's sugar, some fondant icing, and glace cherries, you can let your imagination take free rein without too much money and at very little cost.
- Consider using disposable items. Instead of bringing out your prized china and silverware, just buy sets of plastic utensils and paper plates. You can find lovely designs that don't look cheap and go with those. You can even find designs and colors that will enhance your party's theme - try doing that with conventional plates and bowls. Going this route will allow you to avoid a lot of trouble from the cleanup afterwards. If you are worried about the environmental impact you are making, go biodegradable. And remember that you are offsetting the water and power consumption of your dishwasher by opting for disposables.
You don't have to worry too much about getting everything just perfect. Entertaining is supposed to be fun and whatever food you serve, if you are with family and friends, it should not even matter.
When you are juggling work, raising children, and then entertaining guests, you will not have enough time in the kitchen. The trick here is to make the most out of the time you do have and work smarter, not harder.
The answer, therefore, is to find refreshments that are easy and simple to make but can still taste and look great. Here are some ideas for a quick and easy table for a party at home:
- A buffet is perfect for family gatherings. Everyone can serve themselves and sit with whoever they like. This makes the atmosphere of the entire party more relaxed and informal - as all family gatherings should be. Nobody should feel aloof and this is the perfect time to let loose. You are spared the trouble of preparing individual portions like that required in a sit-down meal and you can even enlist the help of siblings and cousins in your preparations.
- Make a colorful table with vegetable dips. Slice vertically carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers. Then put out a selection of dips, such as Thousand Island dressing, garlic sauce, avocado salad, and homemade tahini. All of these are easy to make, don't cost a lot, and make the dinner table look very vivid. For some more variety and as a filler, put out a selection of cheeses, with crackers and rolls. This makes a light, delicious, and beautiful buffet table.
- If you are interested in cakes, the simplest kind to make is cupcakes. These involve a one-bowl batter that can be spooned into the cases and put into the oven. But that doesn't have to be the end of the story. These days, cupcakes (or fairy cakes or patty cakes, depending on where you come from) are no longer simple little bakery items in paper cases. You can find a wealth of ideas, from the inventive snowman cupcake to roses, bluebirds and more. With a little creativity, confectioner's sugar, some fondant icing, and glace cherries, you can let your imagination take free rein without too much money and at very little cost.
- Consider using disposable items. Instead of bringing out your prized china and silverware, just buy sets of plastic utensils and paper plates. You can find lovely designs that don't look cheap and go with those. You can even find designs and colors that will enhance your party's theme - try doing that with conventional plates and bowls. Going this route will allow you to avoid a lot of trouble from the cleanup afterwards. If you are worried about the environmental impact you are making, go biodegradable. And remember that you are offsetting the water and power consumption of your dishwasher by opting for disposables.
You don't have to worry too much about getting everything just perfect. Entertaining is supposed to be fun and whatever food you serve, if you are with family and friends, it should not even matter.
About the Author:
Expert contributing creator Anya adores providing her wealth of creative ideas about home baking. Not to mention her key hidden secret is always her spot for finding cupcake decorations and flower cup cake decoration.
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