How to host a dinner party on the spur of the moment

Some of our best memories are of social gatherings with good friends, good food, and good times. Even if you’re short on time, you can still plan a great little dinner party in the spur of the moment. It is not hard to do. Here are ten tips to help you.

Tip 1–Know your reason: You don’t need a reason to meet at short notice, but most of the time you have one. Maybe friends are in town for the day. Or you have a new HDTV and want to share a movie with friends. Why should you know? You may want to postpone dinner to give yourself more time to plan it. But you don’t have to delay. Impromptu dinners can be the best of times.

Tip 2: Keep it casual, simple and small: I usually only invite friends with maybe one or two new people who I think fit the group. Plan four to seven people (counting yourself) for a cozy gathering.

Tip 3–Make a list: Even if you use the back of an envelope, write down what you need to do. Include memory corridors. With so little time you have to program it and use it wisely

Tip 4 – Limit the errands you run: Get groceries and supplies (including cleaning supplies) at a mix of grocery stores and department stores. If your meal is from a restaurant, please phone so your order is ready an hour before your guests arrive. Have it delivered only if the service is reliable and timely. Otherwise, pick it up. Check for completeness, but leave closed until ready to serve.

Tip 5 – Make sure you have enough crockery: If not, pick up what you need with your purchases. Good-quality paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils are fine. Get the best paper napkins you can. Your guests will appreciate it. I use the dinner size for meals and the lunch size folded in half for bath towels.

Tip 6 – Don’t worry if your house isn’t in perfect condition: You’re doing this on the spur of the moment, so your home may not be as organized and spotless as you’d like. Do the college dorm trick: put everything in the closets. Vacuum, dust and lint. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher or in closed cabinets. But be sure to thoroughly clean the vanity or bathroom. Provide amenities: liquid soap, guest towels, toilet paper, and a small trash can. Before guests arrive, add an electric air freshener set to low. Spray your entire house with a lightly scented air freshener. Then close the doors of the forbidden rooms.

Tip 7 – Serve a simple meal: I set a simple table and serve meals that require little work or attention. (You will need that time for other tasks.) Below are two menus that I use frequently, but feel free to develop your own.

Menu 1: Serve fried or grilled chicken from your favorite restaurant (allow 2-3 pieces per guest) with biscuits or biscuits from there or from a grocery store bakery (allow a dozen for every 7-8 guests). Serve a comfort food like macaroni and cheese. It works well with chicken. I buy frozen family pans and add extra cheese (4-6 ounces grated) after I bake them. Allow time for them to be ready thirty minutes before serving, but keep them covered. Mixed greens with vegetables like carrots, spinach, and radishes are readily available. Add your favorite chopped vegetables (tomatoes, onions, green peppers) from the salad bar or deli. Serve with a variety of dressings. Serve dessert with coffee and tea. If dinner is substantial, serve a light dessert like ice cream. If dinner is light, serve something substantial.

Chinese Takeout Menu 2: I buy full dinners for four or eight. I always ask for egg rolls and extra sauces (but I also have sauces on hand). I serve heavy desserts with this menu. Nice extras: Fortune cookies are fun and delivery is usually reliable.

Tip 8–Don’t worry about cleaning: There must be little of that. I wait until the guests leave and quickly clean up.

Tip 9 – Complete your preparations early: Finish your preparations (including setting the table) at least thirty minutes before the guests arrive. During that time, take a quick shower, change into something comfortable, start your music, and light your candles.

Tip 10–Relax and enjoy your friends: Last minute dinners can be the best time for everyone. So take care of them and their memories.