My Hosting Survival Kit

My shortcut to a dinner that feels put-together, even when I’m not...

Last-minute dinners. Events you planned a month ago but now that they’re here, your mind is not quite up to it. We’ve all had those nights, when you know it’ll be great once it starts, but you’re just not in the mood to host.

I’ve hosted enough to know that things are never perfect, even when planned way in advance, there’s always something. But I’ve also learned that a few familiar things, objects I love, recipes I trust, tricks I forget I know, have a way of pulling it all together.

So here it is, a simple list (in no particular order) of the little things that help me fake it til’ I feel it :) No drama, no pressure, an easy hosting survival kit.

Let’s start with the table. We all have a go-to look, one that changes with the season, the mood, the moment. Lately, after coming back from Colombia, I’ve added a few new pieces to my evolving mix and (finally) updated my go-to.

White coffee for a surprise twist to end the night.
This is my go-to after-dinner trick, soft, comforting and unexpected if you don’t know it. It comes from Lebanon, where we call it white coffee (ahwe baida) and drink it instead of the real thing to avoid caffeine late at night. It couldn’t be easier: a coffee spoon of orange blossom water in a small mug, topped with hot water. That’s it. I love serving it in mugs with no handles. It’s cosier.

One dessert that has never failed me.
Mine is Ninette’s chocolate cake . I even wrote a whole post about it. I know the recipe by heart: it’s easy, quick to bake and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand (minus the cream, maybe). And, the best part? Everyone loves it. Always.

Dont overthink the flowers.
No need for a sophisticated bouquet. Just go to your florist, see what’s in season and pick one type of flower. One bunch, one colour, it always looks good. If you want to go the extra mile, grab a few green stems to put in small vases on your table. Effortless and fresh.

A snack you can serve straight from the pack (but in a pretty bowl).
As a Lebanese host, I always have really good pistachios on hand for aperitivo. No prep, no fuss, just put them in small, beautiful bowls and you’re done. Of course, it doesn’t have to be Lebanese pistachios. It could be salted almonds, crisps, or whatever snack you love. The only rule? It should take less than 10 seconds and leave nothing to clean up. Effortless is the whole point.

Stick to what you know.
You’ll know when it is the time to try something new. So guilt-free, go back to your favourite cookbooks (mine are here), and pick something you’ve made a dozen times. Ideally, something you can throw in one pot and let cook if you work from home or something easy enough to assemble at the end of the day without stress.

And of course, a good (comfortable) outfit.
I love wearing knitted dresses when I’m hosting. They’re cosy, chic and you can have fun accessorising them depending on your mood (or how much time you actually have).

Stay cosy until next time, Jx

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