Food & Friends: The Perfect Combo for easy entertaining
In a world where we’re more connected than ever (hello digital world), many of us are also feeling more distant than ever. It’s something people are calling the loneliness epidemic.
The good news? It’s one we can do something about. And the remedy can be surprisingly simple: spending time together in person. We know it’s not always easy. Life gets busy, calendars fill up, and sometimes catching up can feel time-consuming or just bloody expensive. We feel you.
But sharing a meal, opening a bottle, or simply sitting around a table with friends can do wonders for the soul. We believe the best meals are the ones shared.
So we’ve put together a few easy ideas to help make getting together a little simpler.
BREAKFAST HOSTING
It doesn't have to be elaborate, make it simple but delicious.
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Buy some croissants and simply heat them.
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Make a frittata or quiche the night before and reheat it the next day.
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Assemble a range of toast toppings and have a toast party. Think tomato or avocado with lemon olive oil or crispy chilli oil. Ricotta and jam. Honey peanut butter.
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Bacon and egg butties, toasties, burritos or english muffins. These can be made the night before and reheated the next day.
LUNCH HOSTING
Have you seen the Bunnings sausage sizzle on a Saturday? There's a reason it goes off. Comfort food is always on trend - you can't go wrong.
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Boujee bangers. Buy your favourite sausages, upgrade the bread and serve with an array of delicious sauces.
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Rotisserie chicken. Never dry and readily available - there's a reason these are termed a bachelor's handbag. Make your go-to salad/s (or even a bag of rocket) and buy or make your favourite freshly made bread. Don't forget condiments are key!
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Homemade pizzas. Everyone can choose their own toppings - a great way to get your guests involved.
DINNER HOSTING
- There's no reason you have to cook the latest and greatest recipe - go with what you know and love to cook. Spaghetti bolognese has a million variations and even the worst one is salvageable with a healthy dose of parmesan.
- Steak Frites is a classic for a reason and there are so many ways to execute this. You don't have to choose the most expensive cut of meat - there are so many that are delicious and affordable (just remember to season generously). Worried your frites won't be crispy enough? Head to your closest f&c shop or drive-through. Serve with blanched green beans and a classic green salad and you're good to go. Yum.
- Takeaways. If it's feeling like it's all too hard - fake it till you make it. Just make sure you're ordering from a place you know and like, and won't be disappointed. Have fun creating the ambiance - set the table, pop flowers in a vase, light candles and find a playlist. Serving takeaways on your own plates and platters is crucial.
