Time for fun! Top tips for a unforgetable evening

It' time to host, people are coming for dinner....fills you with dread? well no fear I have tips and ideas to take away your dinner party blues.  

Lets start by kicking formalities out the window.  Lets think cocktails, fun dishes flare and creativity.  Don't worry about space or the décor, think about food family and friends instead.  Old fashioned is out!!!

We all have them music streaming access, so lets start by looking at music selection, think about the type of music you want to hear, the vibe you want to present.  Music to my ear, Think about searching words  and phrases like  DINNER PARTY which will offer upbeat music, easy listening creating a fab atmosphere for all your guest.  Other search ideas are ACOUSTICS, COOL, JAZZ, EASY LISTENING, JAZZ

Welcoming your guest can also be daunting, it is a crucial aspect of any dinner party, because your goal is to make your guest feel at ease and relaxed.  I have mentioned on previous pages within this blog about setting up a DIY bar, with all your favourite tipples.  Remember your spirits and mixers, garnishes and recipe cards so your guest can make their favourite cocktails.  Always remember that not everyone will want a  alcoholic drink, so search remember to prepare some mocktail recipes, Click here Mocktails. 

So you don't have lots of space, no worries it's the atmosphere, friends and family that counts.  Ask your guest before the dinner party to bring a chair or 2.  If that is not possible try and be creative, use your coffee table, scattered cushions, garden chairs, with a throw or just a piece of cloth.  

Be prepared to have everything ready on-time, try not to get all your guest drunk before they eat nothing worst than hungry guest, after all, you want then to appreciate your lovely food. 

WHAT TO COOK

It's always great to try new dishes however, when you are hosting a dinner party it's always best to keep your menu simple and cook dishes you are familiar with. So sick of soups, prawn cocktails? well don't serve them.  Instead serve dips, houmous which can be moved around the room.  Consider making your own or if you are not that confident try a decent shop bought tub.  In addition, cocktails on arrival perfect!!

Philadelphia cream cheese  topped with sweet chilli, served with crackers is a lovely starter which is easy to share. 

Give your menu lots of consideration beforehand.  A menu that is flexible to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, maybe mix of nationalities, religions, vegetarian & meat eaters, and who knows what allergies or food intolerances is good to bear in mind.

Try and do a theme menu such as Mexican, or a Curry night.  Make the main dish a big centre piece with all the trimmings.  For instance, if you serve Mexican Enchiladas as a main, ensure your centrepiece is surrounded by all the trimmings to make a feast for your guest.  Lots of cheese, salads, Guacamole, Queso Dip and Nacho Sauce, Cilantro Lime Basmati Brown Rice, Pinto Beans in Chili Sauce. Looking for ideas here.

Because dinner parties can be stressful, try making your sweet (pudding) beforehand.  Depending on your choice some can be made the night before and chilled on the day of your dinner party.  Ice cream, cheese cake, mousse is perfect!

Some Do’s and Don’t’s

DO…..

….find out dietary requirement beforehand, so you can cater for your guest and make them feel comfortable.

….please please, have tidy before your guest arrive.  Empty the dishwasher or wash your plates, not only to make your home presentable, but you can load your dish washer or wash up as the night prolongs.

….locate a bottle opener, fill the ice trays these are things that usually cause chaos and make you flustered if the go missing or you run out.

DON’T…..

…..leave your guest to eat alone while you potter around, they are your guest join them.

…..serve complicated dishes which require you slaving over a stove during the night, KEEP IT SIMPLE!!! So you can be with your guest.

….be afraid to entertain on a budget, friends and family won’t mind.

RELAX AND ENJOY CHEERS x

Click Here:Tacos for a party

Back to School playground Games

School is starting back in a few days.  Most schools will be locking away mobile phones and other gadgets until the end of the school day.  What are the children to do? Like most parents, I am constantly asking my young ones to ditch their gadgets and socialize with others.  "In the playground" I ask, “what do you usually do in your break time”? "nothing, just hang about, or play football".  Feeling concerned I decided that I would revisit my childhood and play some of my old favourites with my blessings.  These games were played way before the internet, and kept the playground buzzing with laughter and joy. 

1.  Pelt the Pan 

Find an empty bottle, can or container put it in in front of a wall.  Players take it in turns to try and hit the object with a marble, boiled sweet or coin.  First to hit the object wins.                                                                                                        

2.   Scooch 

You will need a tennis ball.  One person stands against the wall, and another throws the ball at them.  The person against the wall

3.   Nearest the Line          

Draw a line in the dirt, if there is concrete use chalk to make a line. Players stand in front of the line, at least 3feet away.  Taking it in turns players throw their coins at the line.  The one that gets their coin the closest to the line is the winner. 

4.   Hide and Seek

Children's game in which any number of players hide themselves and wait to be found by one or more seekers. One player closes their eyes and counting to a chosen number (say 20) while the other players hide.  One two three and keep counting till it reaches twenty.  When that number is reached, the player who is "it" calls "Ready or not, here I come!" they have to go and find hidden players and run back to the starting point and say "tig". 

5. Which One

The first player turns around with their back toward the game while the other chooses an object, (same number of objects as per players) but does not remove it from the spot.

Once an object is chosen, the player turns around and tries to guess the object that the other players have chosen.

The first player can ask four times, "Which row is the object in?" After the other player answers him, he can move the object around to help him guess the correct answer. After the first answer, the player might move all the odd numbered objects. The next time they might move around something else to help them work out the answer. 

6.    Hunt the Sweet & Eat It

A box of sweets is required for this game.  Best played with 4 or more players.  The "it" player is sent out of the room, and a sweet is hidden anywhere in the room. Find it with clues and they get to eat it.  Best played with a time limit, and good clues. 

7.    Red Light Green Light   

There is no set number of players for this game.  One of the players (leader) goes to the end line and turns her/his back to all the other players, which are lined up on the starting line.  

The leader starts the game by counting “one, two, three”. While the leader counts, the other players must run as fast as possible to reach the end line. When the leader reaches the leader pronounces “three”, s/he must shout "Red" and turns around.  Everyone must then stop moving and freeze. If any players are caught moving by the leader they must go back to the starting line. The others stay where they are and start running again from their position when the leader turns around and starts again counting “one, two, three, "Red”.  At any time, the leader can change the pace of counting to surprise the players. The game continues until one of the players reaches the end line and becomes the new leader.   

8.   Knuckles          

                                                                                                                                                                           OK!!! One for the bigger lads.  You will need a coin and strong finger.  Taking it in turn, spin the coin on a surface and try to catch it between your fingers, try not to miss. If you do, you will get a heavy flick of the coin AGAINST YOUR KNUCKLE...OUCH!!!

                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Board Games

Dark January nights have well and truly set in.  Snow and rain keeping us indoors after work or play. Bored of the television? children glued to their phones? mum running off to bed, and dad wanting to watch the football? 

Why not break the habits, of the cold dark winter nights, and play some board game to lighten the atmosphere.

Exit The Game is a table top take on Escape Room, and like Crystal Maze.  This game challenges players to overcome brain-teasing problems using their powers of logic, perception and lateral thinking.  This cardboard comes with masterfully designed puzzles.  For everyone you solve, another pops up to take its place, making the game more intricate and absorbing as you play. Perfect for family times, creating precious memories.

There are six games in the series.

Charades or in this case Concept is a familiar family game.   The goal is to guess words through the association of icons, usually played in a team of two players. Creating perfect laughter moments, watching your granny trying to mime Tomb Raider after a couple of her favourite topple.

   



To play Codenames, you require two teams 4-8 players. Fancy yourself to be the next Bond....James Bond? now is your chance. Teammates know the agents only by their CODENAMES. The teams compete to see who can contact all their agents first.  A Spymaster will be required who will give one-word clues...to complete multiple word during play.

Fancy yourself has a property developer? Monopoly our favourite family board game is here to help you along your way.  Have fun buying and trading properties, and further develop your portfolio with houses and hotels. Guessed it!!  whoever has the most property and money at the end is the ultimate developer. Remember the property business is vicious.  Are you ready to fight?

A family classic, fun, challenging and though provoking. Scrabble is the most epic word game, enjoyed by millions worldwide. Use your seven letters to build crossword, use bonus spaces and add to your score. Scores are based on letter values and premium squares.