How To Entertain Without The Stress: Hassle-Free Cocktails and Charcuterie Boards

Let's be honest - there hasn't been much at-home entertaining going on in the last year and a half thanks to the pandemic. But now with restrictions being eased (for now at least!) most of us are starting to resume life as normal. And that includes having your mates over. We all like to make an effort when we have guests over and want everyone to have a good time. There are those who throw fab gatherings effortlessly and still manage to look as cool and chilled as a cumber cocktail (a Benemint Cucumberpatch perhaps!) And then there are some who look as though they need to lie down for a very long time - and not because they've had one too many!

When you're having guests over for a very informal evening, the easiest way to do it is with cocktails, canapes and antipasto platters. A lot of these can be great cupboard stand-bys so even if it's all very last minute.com, you can still pull off a great evening without rushing around and looking frazzled. Even with cocktails you don't need to be Tom Cruise or have a brewery load of alcohol to create something quite impressive.

With thanks to FrankGeorg at Pixabay

So if you're having a last-minute gathering - or you've got a crowd who has just turned up unannounced - there are ways of hosting a great evening without feeling as though you are in danger of committing murder beforehand. Here are some great tips to hosting the perfect at-home gathering.

BECOME THE COCKTAIL QUEEN (OR KING!)

If you are very last-minute or you simply dread having unexpected guests, it's a good idea to make sure you have some stand-by items ready in the fridge or cupboard. There isn't really much need to stock up on ultra expensive ingredients that you're probably never going to use again. We all remember the fairy tale about the magic stone soup and it's true - with limited ingredients and a lot of imagination you can come up with something quite impressive:

• Have at least one bottle of wine, rum or vodka tucked away for 'emergencies,' ready to act as the base for a good cocktail.

• Always make sure you're never out of ice.

• You can cheat by using a cocktail mixer pack where all you have to do is add alcohol and serve.

• There aren't many fruits that can't be used in a cocktail, either sliced, pureed or muddled and strained so let your fruit bowl be your best friend!

• Herbs and spices such as basil, mint, lemongrass and ginger and even chilli can really give your cocktails a much needed kick.

• Cola, lemonade, sparkling water and various types of juices make great mixers.

• Never underestimate the importance of the humble lemon (or lime.) The zest and juice can be added to the alcohol; the fruit can be sliced, and the peel can be used for decoration.

• When all else fails, cooled sugar syrup + lemon juice + alcohol of your choice+ ice + soda + lemon slice = inexpensive yet impressive cocktail!

• Don't forget to frost the rims of the glasses with sugar.

• If you do have time to prepare, freeze either fruit juice, coffee, cola, tea lemonade etc. to avoid watery cocktails.

Also remember that it's not all about the alcohol as you may have guests who don't drink. Simply omit the alcohol in their drinks, substitute it with a flavoured syrup, if necessary, and top up with ginger ale, lemonade, soda etc.

THE EASIEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD EVER

Canapés and antipasti platters are traditionally nibbles served to guests as they arrive and as they are a precursor to a main meal, they tend to be light. However, it's not uncommon now for people to forgo a sit-down meal in order to serve an array of canapés, especially if they are having a lot of guests or want to keep things informal.

With thanks to RicardoADom at Pixabay

So unless you’re planning a party with lots of guests, keep the antipasto fairly simple so you don’t override the the main meal. You could perhaps serve two or three dishes from the list below along with some fruit, nuts and bread. If you're planning on serving a main meal, then the  antipasto should complement the meal you’re planning. Think about the appearance and fragrance of the food; blending flavors, aromas and colours will create interesting antipasto plates.

We'd all love to do a Delia when it comes to entertaining but let's face it - we don't all have time to stuff quail eggs or make pastry from scratch. Neither do we have the patience or finances to track down obscure, expensive  ingredients which can probably only be ordered online. So if you're pushed for time - or money - cheat! Make the most of your local, supermarket, grocer or deli. And if you're fortunate enough to live near a farmer's market, so much the better!

Here's a list of simple nibbles you could include as part of your platter:

With thanks to Ylloh at Pixabay

• Jarred marinated artichoke hearts

• Water crackers

• Various types of cheese

• Sliced or cherry tomatoes marinated in dressing

• Olives

• Cold meat slices

• Different types of bread

• Slices or chunks of fresh fruit

• Jarred roasted peppers

• Garlic hummus and pita bread

• Sardines and sweet onions

• Capers

• Sweet pickles, chutneys and relishes

• Cold shrimp

• Roasted nuts

• Homemade garlic bread

• Grilled deli vegetables

• Marinated fresh mozzarella

• Anchovies

You could also decide what you'd like to be the key component or theme in your antipasti platter ie. - meat, vegetables, fish etc. and then base other nibbles around them:

With thanks to Alexei_Other at Pixabay

Meat:  a selection of natural deli meats - pepperoni, salami and prosciutto etc. — then add mixed olives, brie, deviled eggs, roasted vegetables and crackers.

Vegan: vegetable crudités, marinated olives or olive tapenade, pitta bread, roasted peppers, vegetarian stuffed dolmas and roasted garlic hummus.

Seafood:  fish roe, sardines, anchovies, seared fresh tuna and smoked salmon, crackers served with cream cheese, sliced marinated onions and capers.

Fresh Fruit and Nuts: Serve chunks of melon, figs and pomegranate alongside  deli meats, and then add toasted walnuts and roasted, salted pistachios.

Roasted Vegetables with Cheese: roasted veggies e.g. - baby aubergines, beets, bell peppers,courgettes, carrots, tomatoes, asparagus, onions and garlic. (Look for roasted vegetables in the prepared foods section of the store, or simply toss raw veggies with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a 450°F oven until tender.) Served with tangy cheeses like feta, Gruyère or aged Manchego.

Cheese and More Cheese: Look for out-of-the-ordinary cheeses like Rustica cheese with red peppers or black peppercorns, rosemary coated Manchego, Caciotta cheese with green olives, Gouda with mustard seeds or cumin, drunken goat cheese made with red wine and Sotocenere cheese with truffles and a hint of cinnamon. Then combine them with a few traditional ones like provolone or fresh mozzarella. Serve with crusty bread, olives, deli meats, fruit, crackers, pickles and chutneys.

Sweets: Baked brie; mascarpone; White stilton; almonds; nut brittle; dried apricots, biscotti, brioche chunks; fresh cherries; berries; dark chocolate; honey, jam

Here's an example of a super simple antipasti platter and a quick and easy cocktail. Hardly any fuss at all with easily found ingredients.

ANTIPASTI PLATTER

INGREDIENTS:

125g crostini

240g artichoke hearts

225g queen green olives

70g Napoli salami

70g Milano prosciutto

70g sliced chorizo

80g Parma ham

METHOD:

Arrange the selection of canapés on a breadboard or platter.

APPLE AND CINNAMON SPARKLE

INGREDIENTS:

200ml vodka

300ml sparkling apple drink

1 green apple, sliced

6 cinnamon sticks

METHOD:

Mix vodka and sparkling apple drink.Pour into martini glasses.Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick.

What could be simpler! Enjoy!