Party Preparation in No Time

It happened again this year, just as I predicted it would. About a week ago, I asked my husband if anyone was coming over for the SuperBowl, and he said no. Saturday night he called me at 4:30pm to inform me that about 20 people were joining us for the big game (which was, of course, the following day). And we needed food for the party.

Since this happens fairly often to me, I’ve become quite good at throwing parties on a whim. Here are some lessons I’ve learned and tips that I have to make any party successful, regardless of the amount of preparation time you’re given.

Don’t be afraid to ask. These are your friends that are coming over, right? If they offer to bring something, take them up on it! Most people are happy to bring a dish and wouldn’t offer unless they wanted to help out.

Keep it simple. You’ve heard this a hundred times before, but it’s worth hearing again. Think about it; when you put an appetizer spread on the table, do people generally reach for the veggies and dip (that took you 5 minutes) or the fancy hors d’oeuvres (that took you 35 minutes)?

Don’t go overboard. I do this all the time, so I should listen to my own advice. Don’t try to make an entire meal, a few appetizers will do. Don’t try to feed 50 when you’re only feeding 15. If you want variety on your table, buy a bunch of different crackers and chips. Don’t stress yourself out, or you won’t have any fun at your own party!

Enlist family help. Your husband invited these people over, right? Ask him to go to the grocery store for those few extra items you need while you start the preparation.

Have stuff on hand. If this happens to you quite frequently, have “snacky stuff” on hand, like fresh veggies, pretzels, cheese and crackers, and the ingredients for your favorite quick appetizers. Personally, I always keep cream cheese, cocktail sauce, shrimp, and crackers around to do the old standby “shrimp and cream cheese tray”.

If you want to go all out, purchase pre-made appetizers that you keep in the freezer. Then, if something like this happens, just throw them in the oven and bake! Try the ones from AppetizersToGo.com. Then you’re always prepared, and without a trip to the grocery store!

Make good leftovers. If you insist on cooking a meal, make things that will be great leftovers, like shredded beef sandwiches or soups and stews. Then if they’re not eaten, you can simply freeze them for later using your FoodSaver Signature Series V840 from FoodSaver.com.  On the same note, if you’re making an appetizer that you can’t put in the fridge and eat the following day, only make a small amount. I love making the torpedoes for parties, but they get thrown away if they’re not eaten. (Normally I don’t have a problem with this; they’re usually gone in about 10 minutes.)

Use your food wisely. I love a day or so after a party because I always have great stir fry. I grab some meat, those already-cut-up veggies, some hoisin or stir fry sauce, and there’s a quick, super healthy meal in minutes – without all the prep time taken to cut up your veggies!

Use wisely made serving platters. I love my serving trays. Using colorful bowls and plates for boring things like pretzels and peanuts make them look extra special. Take the time to arrange the cheese and sausage nicely and it will look as tantalizing as a fancy appetizer. And don’t neglect to have a chill and serve platter for anything you have to keep cold; I have three and use them constantly. 

So don’t be afraid the next time you receive a phone call. Just roll up your sleeves, do a few quick things, and then enjoy your own party!

See what I made for our party food!