As the calendar flips from October to the tip of the yr, folks in Chennai come along with family and friends to rejoice a string of festivals, together with Halloween, Deepavali , Christmas, and New Year. These festivities are a beautiful alternative to reconnect with family members, and revel within the pleasure of the season. Planning and internet hosting these gatherings, nevertheless, might be difficult.
Darani V, a resident of Thiruvanmiyur, shares her perspective, “When it’s a party at a public venue, the most crucial aspects – food and beverages – are taken care of. But curating a house party can be both daunting and exciting. While I’d love to serve an elaborate spread, execution can be tricky.” Like many hosts worldwide, she usually opts for ordering occasion necessities. “My go-to choices include chips in a variety of flavours, pizzas, and biryani. As for beverages, it’s often a BYOB (bring your own booze) arrangement .”
Aruna Vijay, a finalist of the seventh season of Masterchef India, means that even a easy dip can elevate your internet hosting sport. “Parties often revolve around finger foods and snacks. Before diving into the main course, I like to serve simple snacks like rolls. momos, nachos, or chips with an assortment of dips, Popcorn with different flavours of seasonings are also a must. While I try to prepare the fillings, it’s alright to purchase pastry sheets or momo wraps to save time.”
The time invested in planning a celebration can considerably influence the general expertise. From choosing a theme to crafting the menu and getting ready meals, a well-thought-out plan of motion goes a great distance. “I plan my dining experiences around festivals so that I can serve dishes that are traditionally made for those occasions. Whether I’m cooking for my customers or hosting friends and family, I take the time to plan in advance and ask my guests to fill out a detailed form with dietary requirements. This way, I can source the necessary ingredients or alternatives,” says Mavisha Ramachandran, founding father of Grizzly Islander eating experiences.
While it’s not at all times attainable to cater to each dietary want, providing a wide range of choices is an effective method. “I always aim to have DIY (do-it-yourself) stations that can be an exciting experience for guests, allowing them to customise their meals,” says Aruna. “Burgers work especially well. I set up a tray with patties, salad, sauce, and buns for guests to assemble themselves. Another convenient idea is to opt for one-pot or one-tray dishes such as baked pasta, lasagna, casseroles, or biryanis, which are easy to cook and serve.”
Barbecue
In the spirit of many American films and TV reveals the place the nice ol’ grill takes middle stage, burgers, very similar to pizzas, are additionally thought of occasion staples. “House parties are a great reason to fire up the grill. Preparing a barbecue takes some effort but it is best enjoyed with friends and family gathered around. It becomes the centre of the party, encouraging guests to interact with each other ,” says Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Anna Nagar.
Kalakand in a tart by Aruna Vijay
For Aruna, a memorable centrepiece comes with a twist. “Every party needs something special, and classic dishes with a modern twist will leave guests excited and wanting more.” She has additionally been sharing recipes on social media for revolutionary dishes like dragon fruit pani puri, Karanji in filo pastry sheets, Kalakand in a tart, and extra.
Beverages play a major function. While friends might carry their very own drinks, it’s advisable to supply a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic decisions. “Definitely, stock the brands you like, but remember to cater to various tastes. Keep an eye on pricing, as there’s no point in wasting good liquor. Also, ensure that the bar is well-lit and preferably away from loud music ,” recommends Magandeep Singh, a sommelier and columnist.
While all of that is readied beforehand, there are different challenges which are certain to crop up throughout in addition to after the occasion. Depending on the friends, the hosts might use both fancy china or disposable plates and cutlery. Hiring help to serve and clear up can ease the host’s workload. Opting for a potluck method can contain all of the friends and cut back the trouble required for planning, execution, and cleanup.
Source: www.thehindu.com
