Relationships August 3, 2016
You’re halfway through your workday at the end of a long week, and suddenly you get a phone call from your spouse that the in-laws are making a surprise visit this evening. Or, maybe your old college buddies just texted you saying the gang wants to get back together for old times’ sake. Want to impress your guests with some fine dining but feel totally rushed?
Entity’s got you covered. Here are the 6 essential steps to throwing an impromptu dinner party in under three hours.
Don’t want to dash before you dine? Ditch the homemade meal idea. Instead, use a delivery food service like InstaCart, Seamless, or Door Dash and easily request your favorite foods from any grocery store or restaurant nearby. Just make sure to place your order an hour or two in advance so you know the food will arrive before your guests do.
Want to make sure you have some quality wine on the table as well? Don’t waste precious minutes driving down to the liquor store. Instead, opt for a service like Minibar, which will have your choice of drinks at your door within the hour. Just download their app and choose your pick from an array of beverages and mixers.
Right after you’ve ordered your food and drinks, hit the shower and spiffy up. Dress like the amazing host you know you are! If you’re looking fresh and gorgeous, your guests will be amazed that you’ve put everything together in only a few hours.
Set aside your paper plates and plastic cups! Impress your guests by setting the table with your finest plates and sterling silver (or whatever comes closest). Using your finest cutlery at a last-minute dinner event will draw attention away from the fact that the food may not be as incredible as your grandma’s slow-cooked pot roast. Want to lay out your favorite cloth napkins but find they’re a little wrinkly? A quick tip is just to throw them in the dryer with a damp washcloth for 15-20 minutes. Voila!
Once the food arrives, avoid any hint of tackiness by placing condiments and trimmings into little glass jars or antique containers. Unpack the rest of the food and place it on your lovely serving pieces. All cold dishes and sauces can be placed directly on the table, while hot foods should be kept warm in the oven in oven-safe dishes until they are ready to be served. Set drinks and any little appetizers out for early guests to nibble on until everyone arrives. Finally, for an extra classy touch, turn on your favorite classical or jazz playlist (did someone say, Sinatra?). Congratulate yourself, you’ve just pulled off a dinner party in under 3 hours!
