If the thought of entertaining a large group stresses you out with visions of meticulous scheduling, hours of cooking and the stress of seating plans, we’ve got the solution. Well, four, actually. Whether it's Family Day, a holiday celebration or a big birthday bash, we love the thought of breaking free from formality and embracing a more relaxed approach to hosting. On that note, here are four unconventional ideas that make entertaining a crowd not only enjoyable but surprisingly easy for everyone including you, the host!
1. Buffets are Serve-Yourself Brilliant
Ditch the plated service and opt for a buffet-style spread. This allows guests to mingle, choose their portions, and explore a variety of dishes without the formality of a seated affair. For an added touch, create themed stations, like a taco bar or a build-your-own pasta buffet. For the wine, go with versatile crowd-pleasers for this casual setup – one red, one white. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a light Pinot Noir fit the bill, and work with the varied food preferences of your group.
2. Brunch: Whip Up Morning Magic
Brunch is a delightful and stress-free way to host. With a mix of breakfast and lunch options, you can prepare dishes ahead of time, and guests can help themselves throughout the morning. Offer classics like quiches, pastries and fresh fruit. Other options could include a fresh bagel brunch, with bagels, lox and cream cheese and a couple of fresh salads on the side. Brew lots of fresh coffee and tea, and enhance the experience with a sparkling wine or a light Rosé. They’re perfect pours to match the lively vibe of a mid-morning gathering.
3. Lunch: Afternoon Elegance is Made for Lingering
Who doesn’t love lunch? The occasion is flexible to please the late sleepers and leaves you, as the host, with a free evening later in the day. Lunches are also a charming and less formal alternative to dinner. Whether indoors or outdoors, a well-curated lunch spread provides the opportunity to wow your crowd with lots of fresh flavours without the heaviness of a formal dinner. For the menu, choose your favourite cuisine, order in from a favourite restaurant or caterer, or prep grilled sandwiches and salads ahead of time so you too can relax and lounge with your guests. A sparkling zero-alcohol signature cocktail allows you to put your personal stamp on the gathering and also suits the mid-day occasion. For those who enjoy wine as part the experience, chill a trio of Chardonnay, versatile Pinot Grigio and sparkling white and you’ll have something to please everyone assembled.
4. Dessert: Sweet Simplicity
Break with convention and host a dessert party. Gather an array of sweets, from cakes and pies to cookies and tarts, but remember, baking is optional. With so many top-tier local bakeries around, your prep might just include strategic shopping versus time at the oven. Charming and considerably easier to organize than a multi-course dinner, a dessert-invitation is guaranteed to surprise and charm your crowd. And for those who stay clear of the sugar and chocolate, a beautiful cheese tray would be a welcome addition to the menu.
For this get-together, keep to the sweet theme with the wine: dessert wine like a Late Harvest Riesling, Icewine or off-dry sparkling wine are all spot-on choices for your bar.
In embracing these dinner-party alternatives, hosting becomes simply more fun for everyone, host included. They’re more accommodating for those who simply don’t have the physical space to seat a large group, too. Breaking away from tradition opens up a world of possibilities, ensuring that your get-together remains firmly focused on the moment, where friends and family come together around great food and wine, and enjoy the life-affirming pleasure of each other’s company.
