Hosting Hacks For Busy People
MasterChef semi-finalist and Cheshire-based private chef, Frankie Dunn shares her top tips for taking the stress out of hosting a dinner party
It’s Saturday night, you’ve invited over ten of your favourite people, and you are sweating over the stove listening to them laugh in the next room. Does this sound familiar? If you love to host, but hate spending all night in the kitchen away from your guests, you’re in the right place.
As a MasterChef semi-finalist and Cheshire-based private chef I have run sold-out events all over the county (and beyond), and am now opening up my diary for private bookings. Here are my ten top tips for taking the stress out of hosting a dinner party.
#1 - Ask people to bring specific things. It helps you plan and reduces the mental load for them. Whether it’s a wine that pairs with the food, posh crackers for cheese or cocktail garnishes. If you have a perpetually fashionably late friend, don’t ask them to bring something you need straight away!
#2 - Write a plan, including cleanup strategy. This sounds obvious, but the devil is in the detail. If you aren’t fussed on timings, write actions in chronological order, whether it be taking the butter out of the fridge, popping something in the oven to warm up, or putting a load in the dishwasher. Don’t forget to build in time to get yourself glammed up!
#3 - Plan the menu to make your life easier. Certain dishes are actually better after a day in the fridge, like curries, casseroles and soups. Pick dishes that you can make ahead and then finish off on the night. Just make sure to check internal temperatures when you serve.
#4 - Get some wineglass charms! To avoid washing countless glasses throughout the night because everyone has forgotten which one they started with, grab a pack of charms and let everyone choose their own at the start of the night.
#5 - Set up a collaborative playlist and send it to your guests. This is a double win - you don’t have to worry about it, and your guests get to hear their favourite songs. It is also a great conversation starter.
#6 - Start with easy nibbles, such as a cheeseboard, bread and dips, crudites etc. You want to be able to greet people and have a chat, not worry about cooking the first course.
#7 - Light a few scented candles about an hour before people arrive. It will remove the cooking smells and set the tone for the evening.
#8 - Buy bags of ice for the freezer. You always use more than you think.
#9 - Only invite people you actually like. My mother is an excellent host, and I’ll never forget when she turned 40 and told me that her resolution was to stop inviting people because she thought she should. Surround yourself with people that make you happy.
#10 - Hire me! As a private chef, I take everything off your hands. I will work with you to create a bespoke menu, cater to all dietary requirements, do all the preparation, serve you and your guests an incredible meal and then leave your kitchen cleaner than it was at the start.
If you have an event coming up, email feastingwfrankie@gmail.com or visit feastingwithfrankie.co.uk
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