If you've ever been approached about hosting an event at your home, and your first reaction was to groan (at least silently!) a negative response, then this article may alleviate your fears and open up a whole new realm of entertaining for you. Whether you wish to host a team party, a potluck dinner with your neighbors, or a holiday open house, you can simplify your menu and, in doing so, create a stress-free event for you. Follow these easy and inexpensive ideas with your own event.
Team Party
The implementation of this party can be effortless when you simplify the menu as listed below, and when you ask your guests to help with the food. As host, you should provide the main course, (in this suggested menu – the Italian Beef, French Bread and Pasta), the plates, napkins, flatware and glasses, and obviously the use of your lovely home. Divide the rest of the items and assign guests to bring them to the function. You may want to add a couple of appetizers to this menu, if there will be a lengthy interlude before the meal. Simple suggestions are vegetables and dip, tortilla chips and salsa, corn chips and bean dip, and perhaps cheese and crackers.
- Italian beef (can be purchased frozen from your grocery store or wholesale club; try Papa Charlie's brand); heated in a crockpot or chafing dish
- Fresh French bread (cut into four-inch lengths and slice lengthwise to make a pocket for the meat)
- Pasta served with meat or marinara sauce (order pans from your local Italian restaurant for the ultimate in convenience)
- Jell-O (fill a half-sized steam pan with Jell-O and a complementary fruit: try Orange Jell-O with mandarin orange segments, Strawberry Jell-O with banana slices, or Black Cherry Jell-O with Granny Smith apple chunks)
- Tossed salad or Caesar salad
- Fruit salad (use a variety of fresh fruits for a pretty, healthy and refreshing side dish)
- Sheet cake (purchased from your local grocery store or wholesale club; can be decorated in team colors or be sports-related at no additional charge)
- Assortment of cookies and brownies
- Assortment of iced soft drinks, bottled water and bottled sports drinks
Closing Thoughts
- Be as gracious as possible when your guests bring their assigned dishes. Remember that all of the serving pieces do not have to match for an informal get-together such as this event. And you should always have extra serving tools available, because, inevitably, someone will forget their salad tongs!
