Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Solo hosting can be both rewarding and exhausting
’Tis the month to celebrate – and with that, comes entertaining at home. My hosting plan this year is to invite less people to multiple small-scale soirées.
As the Canadian national soccer teams head to their respective FIFA World Cups, Derek Van Diest is on the scene to cover all the action. Expect expert insights and analysis in your inbox daily throughout the tournaments, and weekly on Thursdays for the rest of the season.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Corner Kicks with Derek Van Diest will soon be in your inbox.
As a single person, it’s often difficult to manage and maneuver a big event with lots of people, so two to three guests is my preference.
Each soirée will be a carbon copy of the other (they’ll never know!). That will make planning cocktails, menu, music and table settings a breeze.
But still, I’ll need a little help, so I’ve gathered up some ideal hosting helpers that – whether purchased for yourself or for gifting – will help create a more enjoyable experience for those entertaining at home this holiday season and throughout the year.
Hot helpers
Serving hot and warm snacks during cocktail hour means having a watchful eye over the oven while trying to greet guests, serve drinks and keep the holiday playlist going.
If setting up a help-yourself table, consider using electric griddle skillets, slow cookers and hotplates to keep foods warm, or go for fondue!
Create platters of yummy treats and allow guests to dip them in warm cheese or melted chocolate. The best value fondue pots were seen at Homesense ($25 for the holiday-red ones).
Tip: at that price, grab one for sweet and one for savory. I guarantee you the hors d’oeuvres table will be the favourite place for guests to stand, nibble and sing holiday tunes!
Give hosts a hand!
Mixing, whipping, puréeing and blending are often required for drinks, soups and all sorts of yummy treats, but cluttering the kitchen counters should not be on the menu for your next soiree.
Instead of a bulky blender or food processor getting in the way, I like the Hamilton Beach Professional Hand Blender, $199, Canadian Tire, as the perfect handy helper to wiz drinks and purée dinner items.
Think of it as a mini sous chef/helper that doesn’t step on your toes or hum holiday tunes off-key. Lightweight, compact on the counter, and easy to clean, this is one of those handy helpers that every host needs!
Clean scene
Wouldn’t it be nice to say goodbye to guests, go to bed and have a magic cleaning person tidy up the mess while you slept off the memories of your party? How about having the floors cleaned?
The Roomba Combo j7+, $1,399, www.iRobot.ca, lets the hard-working host wake up to spotless floors just in time to do it all over again at your next soirée. From lapping up spills and mopping to wisking up crumbs and vacuuming, this little robot elf has your floor care covered.
Solo host with the most
Solo-hosting can be both rewarding and exhausting! Here are three ways to make entertaining simpler so you can be the host with the most.
• If cooking isn’t your thing, have a holiday potluck. Be sure to plan who is bringing what, so you don’t end up with all desserts (although who’s counting calories during the holidays, huh?).
• Setting up and maintaining a bar throughout the evening can be a lot of work for a single host. Pre-make one festive holiday cocktail and serve it out of a large punch bowl, so guests can serve and garnish their own bevvies.
• Hosting can be tiring. When sending out invitations, be sure to tell guests the end time for the party. If you are having a great evening and still have energy, you can always invite guests to linger longer.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? Follow and contact Karl on Instagram at Karl_Lohnes.
