Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi’s kitchen looks like an absolute dream and works like a well-oiled machine.
“We love entertaining,” says the vibrant mother of two. “But I don’t want to stay cooped up all day in the kitchen. Besides, if you’re entertaining, you want to spend more time with your guests. So I play it smart when we have people over.”
Her brand of playing it smart saves her from stress and hassle whenever guests come over. Here are some of her recommendations to other homemakers who want to host a holiday get-together but dread the time and effort (they think) it will entail.
Plan ahead
Before sending out the invitations, sit down and map out all the details of the party: these include invitees, venue, food, and who will cook and assist the host on the day itself. Zubiri-Crespi says this is a good habit to have in place, even if it is only for weekly Sunday lunch with the extended family.
Get the tools ready
Make sure all the tools needed for the preparation are ready. Check if the oven or range is working well, even if it is a La Germania unit, which is known for its durability. Make sure there is enough gas to avoid running out of it at the worst possible moment.
Keep gatherings small and intimate
“We don’t really host large parties at home,” shares Zubiri-Crespi. “We keep to around 10 people at most.” Keeping the numbers small means not only less cooking and preparing but also ensures even the host get to enjoy more quality time interacting with each guest.
Cook one make-ahead main
Zubiri-Crespi knows that the quality of the company and the food is more important at a party than who cooked the meal. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I don’t cook everything when I host a dinner party. I’ll cook one dish, usually the main dish, and it’ll be something simple and hearty and good, and I will buy side dishes either ready-made or frozen,” she reveals.
Ask the guests for help
Depending on how close the host and the guest are, the former can ask the latter to bring a dessert or their favorite side dish to share. Aside from making guests feel like they’re bringing a valuable contribution, it ensures there a good variety of food for the attendees of the party.
Hire an extra hand for the night
Those who don’t have the time to do everything can hire any of the trusted catering companies that specialize in small intimate parties. Those who have college-aged children might even be able to recruit them and one of their friends into helping with the preparation.
