We have officially entered holiday season! Thanksgiving marks the start of the “drop-by” months and the impromptu get-togethers. Being the host is so much fun how can you turn it down? There are a few things to always keep around your home for easy and quick holiday entertaining. Stock up with these and you’ll always be ready for guests!
Pantry
Your pantry should always be stocked with some necessities just in case people stop by unexpectedly.
Ingredients for a great dip
Throwing together a dip in under five minutes is a skill that every hostess should have! You may have your favourite that you make all the time, but if you don’t here’s a great easy dip that takes under five minutes from pantry to table:
- 1 Can White Kidney beans (rinsed)
- 1-2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 Tbsp olive oil (add one at a time and check consistency)
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Throw all of the ingredients into a food processor, pulse until desired consistency is reached and serve with crackers. (You can also make dip ahead and stick it in the fridge for a few days.)
Crackers
Always have a special stock of crackers that can be served with dip or cheese.
Nuts or trail mix
Nuts are a great snack that most people (without allergies) enjoy snacking on year-round.
Refreshments
Generally, you’ll want to have coffee (both caffeinated and non), tea, hot chocolate, juice and soda (include club soda) lying around to offer your guests.
You may want to consider alcoholic beverages as well. Wine and beer are usually staples at holiday parties. If your friends don’t typically drink why not try something like Italian Soda or non-alcoholic beer?
Treats
Whether you make them yourself or have some boxes stashed away, everyone appreciates a sweet treat. Cookies, chocolates, and even hard candies can satisfy anyone’s delicious cravings.
Refrigerator
Some snacks are perishable, but worth having around in a pinch!
Pickles and olives
Luckily these will stay fresh for quite a while after opened and are a great finger food to have around.
Cheese
Cheese is a great addition to crackers, pickles and olives and easy to cut up and serve.
Fruit
Having some grapes, melon or Mandarin oranges available to accompany your cheese plate or even as an alternative to sugary treats is a welcome and refreshing snack.
Cheers to making this holiday season a success!