Entertaining on the FLY

It’s the start of the social season and as much as we try to plan all our socialising, things can sometimes take a spontaneous spin. Whether your girlfriends decide that cocktails around the pool at your house is the best way to spend a day or sundowners turn into dinner at yours, there will be times when you’ll find yourself suddenly entertaining.

So how do you get prepped? Take note of these hints from the FAIRLADY team for effortless entertaining throughout the festive season.

Suzy Brokensha, FAIRLADY’s editor: ‘I’m a great believer in the frozen berry/white chocolate and cream dessert: Frozen berries (take out of the freezer for five minutes); Cover with hot white chocolate (2 bars, melted with a pint of cream). Let it stand for one minute and serve. DELICOUS’

Anna Rich, senior editor: ‘Put a block of Philadephia cheese on a pretty plate, top with a generous layer of sweet chilli sauce and then fresh coriander leaves. Surround with some nice crackers (Carr’s Water crackers, maybe)... And it’ll all be gone in minutes, guaranteed.’

Sameena Amien, chief sub-editor: ‘In summer, keep a packet of bought mini meringues in the store cupboard and some summer berries and fresh cream in the fridge, so when guests arrive unexpectedly you can just top the meringues with the cream, and the berries and finally, a sprinkling of icing sugar. Your guests will love it!’

Robyn MacLarty, senior sub-editor: ‘I always keep a bottle of good quality bubbly in the fridge – the sound of a cork popping and glasses clinking always gets people in a festive mood.’

Julia Boltt, senior editor: ‘I always keep a box of Mr Price tealight candles stashed in my cupboard – when friends come over, just pop them into simple water glasses, scatter around like mad and voila, instant ambience! Quick, simple – and cheap.’

Catherine Zachariou, senior beauty assistant: ‘My house is very much like a scene out of Cougar Town so I always make sure  I have a bottle of red and white at home for the unexpected guest. My friends never want a glass of water when they visit.’

Elizabeth Atmore, health editor: ‘Make more food than you think you’ll need, chill more wine that you think will be consumed, and be relaxed: the best parties are those where the host is having as much fun as her guests, so even if it means buying in dessert or asking a friend to make the salad, do whatever you can to be as chilled as possible.’

Caryn McArthy, deputy editor: ‘Keep good ciabattas in the freezer from your favourite local bakery. They are perfect for a starter snack: defrost loaf, cut into generous slices, place on a baking tray, dribble olive oil over them, and rub with fresh garlic (the more the better), place in the oven and toast until you can smell the garlic. Take out and cut slices of baby tomatoes, drizzle with more olive oil or verjuice if you have, place back under grill for another 10 minutes. Serve hot. Delicious!’

Jerusha Sukhdeo, social media intern: ‘My tip may make me sound like a slob, but it’s worked for me! Quickly stash unwashed dishes in the oven if you’ve no time to wash them and unexpected guests are at the door. You can deal with them later and your guests won’t have to look at unsightly dishes in your sink or on your counter!’

Jennifer Searle, web editor: ‘I always keep a roll of puff pastry at home – it’s so easy transform into a sweet or savoury snack. Make faux chocolate croissants by wrapping blocks of dark chocolate in pastry, brush with egg yolk or milk and bake for 15 minutes on 200 degrees. If you want something quick and savoury then brush your puff pastry with sweet chilli sauce and add slices of baby tomatoes. Bake for 20 minutes on 200 degrees and then just add fresh basil leaves. This is great with a selection of cheeses– the perfect evening snack platter – and don’t forget the wine!’

What are quick tricks when it comes to entertaining? Tell us on our Facebook or comment below.