Hosting

[InMyOpinion]

Do you host dinner parties? Do you enjoy hosting dinner parties? And/or do you go to dinner parties?

I love, love hosting food parties, whether it's breakfast parties, lunch parties or dinner parties. I also love attending food parties. Most people love food and I love cooking and hosting, so I try to host at least once a month. Sometimes I will have themes and those are extremely fun. Another huge hit is potlucks or build-your-owns. Hosting always makes me proud because I get lots of compliments on my dishes, people often ask me for my recipes and if there are any leftovers I have people asking for them. I understand cooking isn't for everyone *cough* my mom *cough* but I think it is a skill that everyone/anyone can work and be good at.

So what about you, do you enjoy hosting dinner parties? Do you like food parties?

 

[ElegantAura]

@InMyOpinion It sounds like you create really memorable experiences for your guests.

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For me In the past, there were many gatherings, but I disliked most of them because I never got to choose anything. My house was always the venue, so I ended up doing all the cleaning before, during, and after, and even acted as the waitress
When it came to cooking, I was usually stuck with the less desirable tasks.

But there were some good times when I hosted alone, planned everything exactly as I wanted, and truly enjoyed those moments, no matter how tired I was.

Nowadays, due to costs and few other reasons, I don't host many parties. When I do, they're simple and infrequent.
However, I do have a few traditions, like making a punch for a small gathering every New Year's.

While I do enjoy cooking a lot, there are days when I hate it.
As for themes, I don't think I've ever used them.

 

[InMyOpinion]

@InMyOpinion It sounds like you create really memorable experiences for your guests.

...............................
For me In the past, there were many gatherings, but I disliked most of them because I never got to choose anything. My house was always the venue, so I ended up doing all the cleaning before, during, and after, and even acted as the waitress
When it came to cooking, I was usually stuck with the less desirable tasks.

But there were some good times when I hosted alone, planned everything exactly as I wanted, and truly enjoyed those moments, no matter how tired I was.

Nowadays, due to costs and few other reasons, I don't host many parties. When I do, they're simple and infrequent.
However, I do have a few traditions, like making a punch for a small gathering every New Year's.

While I do enjoy cooking a lot, there are days when I hate it.
As for themes, I don't think I've ever used them.

I hear you, though hosting can sound like fun there is a lot of prep and the clean up that isn't the most fun. I've never co-hosted something, other than with my boyfriend but even then when we host it's mostly all up to me. I pick out the food for the most part (unless my boyfriend is using the smoker and he is in charge of the meat but that's about it.)

What was your favourite dish to cook for your guests? For me it's chicken & cheese wrapped in a croissant with some cream of chicken with veggies drizzled on top.

I agree with cost as well. Things are pretty pricey which is why when I host a party I tend to ask people to contribute something to the party. Whether it be dessert, drinks or side dishes. It helps with cost and people seem to really like to be a part of the event too. I've also had seating costs where people paid to have a seat at one of my events.

Oh nice! What kind of punch do you usually make?

Themes have been a HUGE hit and people tend to spend more $$ when there is a theme. Gets everyone together

 

[ElegantAura]

I hear you, though hosting can sound like fun there is a lot of prep and the clean up that isn't the most fun. I've never co-hosted something, other than with my boyfriend but even then when we host it's mostly all up to me. I pick out the food for the most part (unless my boyfriend is using the smoker and he is in charge of the meat but that's about it.

Ahh the famous BBQ spot checking the meat and thinking they did all the cooking,

What was your favourite dish to cook for your guests? For me it's chicken & cheese wrapped in a croissant with some cream of chicken with veggies drizzled on top.

I don't think I have a favourite dish to cook for guests, there are way too many.
I enjoy making food that can be prepared ahead of time, looks and tastes great whether it's hot or cold, and still tastes good as leftovers. If I had to mention one, vegetable fritters come to mind because even the pickiest eaters who don't like veggies usually enjoy them.

I agree with cost as well. Things are pretty pricey which is why when I host a party I tend to ask people to contribute something to the party. Whether it be dessert, drinks or side dishes. It helps with cost and people seem to really like to be a part of the event too. I've also had seating costs where people paid to have a seat at one of my events.

It sounds like a great way to make hosting more manageable and inclusive for everyone involved.

Oh nice! What kind of punch do you usually make?

Nothing extravagant, just a classic vodka punch. It's straightforward, a tradition we've enjoyed for years and made some great memories with. Typically, we use good quality orange juice, mixed fruit, Sprite or soda water, plenty of ice, and, of course, vodka

Themes have been a HUGE hit and people tend to spend more $$ when there is a theme. Gets everyone together

That's true! Themes do seem to add a special touch and make gatherings more lively

 

[InMyOpinion]

Ahh the famous BBQ spot checking the meat and thinking they did all the cooking,



I don't think I have a favourite dish to cook for guests, there are way too many.
I enjoy making food that can be prepared ahead of time, looks and tastes great whether it's hot or cold, and still tastes good as leftovers. If I had to mention one, vegetable fritters come to mind because even the pickiest eaters who don't like veggies usually enjoy them.


It sounds like a great way to make hosting more manageable and inclusive for everyone involved.


Nothing extravagant, just a classic vodka punch. It's straightforward, a tradition we've enjoyed for years and made some great memories with. Typically, we use good quality orange juice, mixed fruit, Sprite or soda water, plenty of ice, and, of course, vodka




That's true! Themes do seem to add a special touch and make gatherings more lively

yeah, that's what my boyfriend does he does the BBQ spot haha.

I agree with your statement about making food that can be prepared a head of time. Nothing like having an event and cooking everything the day of. Not only is it exhausting, it's difficult to be able to do the last minute decorations/set up when you've got to stay in the kitchen most of the time. Also, it is sooo much easier to just heat things up rather than wait for something to be done cooking and your guests having to wait to eat for too long.

When I host parties I try to get everyone involved so it actually makes it fun to introduce new people to each other with the dish or thing they brought/prepared. Plus it saves money so I'm all for it.

Ohh your orange vodka sprite drink sounds yummy right now! 🍹 Such a great summer drink too!

 

[ElegantAura]

It's a simple, classic punch. There might be nicer versions, but this is what we enjoy with friends.

Could you share more about the other meals you prepare?

 

[InMyOpinion]

It's a simple, classic punch. There might be nicer versions, but this is what we enjoy with friends.

Could you share more about the other meals you prepare?

Of course! I do a honey garlic baked cauliflower, always been a huge hit.
I do White BBQ chicken Subs, another hit.
I do a veggie tray both raw and then I will do a stir fry
I do a cheesy ham and potato casserole
Parmesan chicken meatballs (I have different types of pastas to choose from)
I'll usually have a fresh berry trifle for dessert or some other kind of fruit dessert to keep it light
I also make salads, but I do tend to do it as an add your own ingredients to your salad. So, I'll have all the ingredients in bowls and you just add what you want to your salad. I tend to also have 2 different types of meat and many different types of lettuce.

Those are the dishes I tend to make the most when hosting but there are over 50 recipes that I have that I've made within the last 2 years lol.