The big easy
This one, called Easy Entertaining, is for those who like to have a few friends around for brunch, lunch, coffee, afternoon tea, supper, a nibble around the fire or even a formal dinner party.
Since my first television series, my mantra has always been to keep it simple - it doesn’t have to be a four-course meal.
I so love the effortless way many young people entertain. For them, it’s no big deal to have a few friends around - they just love to cook together.
My children and their friends don’t worry about having mismatched cutlery and crockery; the chairs are often a motley collection picked up from junk shops; the table covered with anything from calico to a flowery print, oil cloth to tissue paper. The look is always stylish and fun, and great use is made of coloured lights, candles and sparklers.
“How about an omelette and a glass of wine, a ‘spontaneous’ pasta or a sushi party where everyone rolls their own. Let’s all cook together.”
Nowadays, everyone is entertaining, and the smoking ban certainly added impetus. Those who wanted to be able to smoke buy a few bottles and have a few friends around for a simple supper, rather than shiver outside in the cold while they get their fix.
In Easy Entertaining I include suggestions for an omelette party, fajitas, tacos, pancakes and sushi. Get everyone involved, even those who think they can’t boil water.
Picnics, in any season, are another super way to entertain - at this time of year hot soup in flasks, a stew in a haybox, steaming hot chocolate or something stronger make for a terrific experience.
Could be after a walk in the woods or a point-to-point.
In Easy Entertaining, I have ideas on everything from tapas to three-course dinners and canapés to casseroles.
There are chapters dealing with brunch, prepare-ahead meals, picnics, romantic dinners, finger food, formal dinners, festive meals and many more. Handy sections provide extensive menu planners and practical advice on wine and other drinks to complement the food while style tips for table settings, flowers, lighting and even party games will ensure your soirée looks as sensational as it tastes.
There are also options for vegetarian and vegan guests throughout the book and masses of tips for quick and easy meals.
Have fun!
* Easy Entertaining, by Darina Allen, is published by Kyle Cathie, €25.
