Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue for some friends or a big Sunday lunch for the whole family, cooking for a group of people can often be a daunting prospect. You’ll want to spend time chatting with your guests, while also keeping a cool head in the kitchen, so you can serve them a delicious meal without a hitch.
With than in mind, here are just a few tips from Finish for planning and hosting a fun, stress-free soirée, that’s as enjoyable for you as it is your guests.
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1. Plan ahead
Before you start planning your menu, ask your guests if they have any dietary requirements, as you may have to tweak your recipes if anyone is vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. On the day itself, start prepping early, so you don’t have to spend as much time in the kitchen once your guests arrive.
If you’re serving a large group, it can be helpful to write out some rough timings, so you know exactly what you’re making and how long it will take to cook. And it’s best to use multiple cooking methods, if you can, so you’re not cramming everything into the oven or cooking it all on the hob.
2. Choose simple recipes
Though it might be tempting to show off your culinary skills by whipping up an elaborate dish you’ve just found on social media, you’re often better off cooking something easy and familiar when you’re hosting. There are plenty of simple recipes that will still impress your guests, such as a slow-cooked lamb shoulder, a whole roasted cauliflower or a seafood risotto.
Better still, the easier the recipe, the fewer pans and dishes you’ll use, which means you’ll have less to wash up at the end. Plus, if you opt for something that isn’t too hands-on, you can also maximise your time with your guests while you cook.
3. Tidy as you go
Another way to make your life easier when you’re feeding a crowd is to tidy your kitchen between courses. If you have a bit of spare time while you wait for something to finish cooking, take the opportunity to load any used dishes into your dishwasher, so they're out of the way before you continue prepping or start serving.
It’s also wise to move your ingredients to one side or put them away once you’re finished with them. This way, you’ll be able to find what you need more easily and focus more on the task in hand without getting stressed.
4. Use your dishwasher
After your guests have left, the easiest way to tackle all your dirty pans, plates and cutlery is by using your dishwasher. Not only will this get everything clean in one go, but it will also leave you free to get on with the rest of the clearing up, whether that’s boxing up leftover food or wiping down the work surfaces.
Of course, this is where Finish Ultimate Plus can help, as the powerful formula offers you an intensive clean and shine that’s tough on both grease and burnt-on stains. Each tablet delivers four actions throughout the wash cycle, releasing the right ingredient at the right time so your dishes come out shining without you having to pre-rinse them. All you need to do is load your dishwasher, add a tablet and let Finish Ultimate Plus work its magic.
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