This post will prepare you for those last-minute guests! Be a great host with these simple tips and tricks.
Have you ever had someone drop in last minute and you’re scrambling to host? We live near a lot of family, so we often have people coming in and out! We moved to live close to family, so I am not going to stress about hosting, but I also love to feed my people. So how can I be prepared to serve a meal, without ordering pizza every time?
Or think about this: maybe you need to provide food for someone in crisis, and it’s a less than convenient time? (Because when do crises ever come at a “convenient” time?) A death in the family, sick kiddos, a long week at work…how can you be ready to share a meal without an emergency grocery trip?
When it comes to hosting last minute, I stick with the “keep it simple” method. I have the same tried and true meals and snack options stocked at all times, as well as a handful of materials, dishes, and containers. Because when it comes to being a great host, it’s more about small, intentional things that make people feel at home.
Here are my favorites!
Meal Options:
- Chicken Fried Rice – This recipe is one that I usually have all the ingredients for and it’s easy to throw together last minute. I’ll share this in a future post, but I included the recipe for you! All of the ingredients can be pulled from your freezer and ready to go.
Chicken Fried Rice
A simple fried rice recipe, including veggies, meat, and yummy spices!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (chopped)
- 3 c cooked white rice (day old or leftover rice works best)
- 1 c frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3T sesame oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/4 c soy sauce
Instructions
- On medium, high heat, cook the chicken until done.
- Add the oil and heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the peas/carrots mix, onion, and garlic. Stir fry until tender.
- Lower the heat to medium/low and push the mixture off to one side, then pour your eggs on the other side and stir fry until scrambled.
- Now, add the rice and soy sauce and blend all together well. Stir fry until thoroughly heated.
Notes
You can add other things to this mix, like meat, green onion, mushrooms, etc.
If I am making rice for another recipe, I always make extra, and freeze whatever is leftover. Then I have leftover rice that I can pull out day of to serve this fried rice recipe!
- Burrito Bowls – This is on our menu most weeks, and you can use garlic powder + chili powder to make any meat into “taco” meat! Or you can keep taco seasoning packets stocked. Keep a can of beans, corn, and a jar of salsa around, and you’re good to go! It’s pretty likely that I have other toppings in my pantry (tortilla chips, peppers, tomatoes, etc.) to add to our bowls. This is a great meal option because guests can make their own bowl.
- Casseroles – You know this midwestern girl was going to mention casseroles. I love a good casserole. You can freeze it and pull it out when needed. They are one of my favorite things to keep stocked so I can deliver to a friend last minute, or if we need a good meal option during a busy week. Stay tuned for all of my favorite casserole recipes in one place.
Snack Options:
- Nut Mix – I always keep nuts around the house that I can mix and match for a good snack mix. A nut mix also tends to work for most dietary needs. Plus, if you’re in a holiday season, you can mix in some colorful M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces to match the theme!
- Chips and Salsa – Another simple snack that most people love. For something different, I keep my favorite salsa ever – Aldi’s pineapple salsa. Tortilla chips are cheap and easy to include on my weekly grocery list, and a jar of salsa can stay in the pantry for months.
Coffee or Specialty Drink:
At our house, when we have guests, we like to add a delicious sip alongside a meal. It is often what we use for dessert, and it adds a touch of something special to the occasion. I try to keep these ingredients around, so I can whip something up for last minute company!
- Coffee Creamer – I keep K cup options at my house, and I like to pair it with this delicious coffee creamer from The Prairie Homestead‘s Jill Winger. Light a candle, and add a cute coffee mug, and you’re on your way to being a great host!
- Specialty Drink – My husband challenged me to find “specialty” seasonal drinks, so we usually have those ingredients around the house. We’re sipping on this strawberry lemonade recipe all summer, and our mulled apple cider, or this yummy butterbeer recipe are perfect for fall!
Other Freezer Items:
- Muffins – muffins are an easy item to keep in the freezer and pop in the microwave when you need them. Although they’re easier to pull out the night before, a quick re-heat in the oven or microwave can work in a pinch!
- Breakfast sandwiches: These are a great companion to coffee when a last minute guest comes over. They can be pulled straight from the freezer and only take a few minutes to heat. I made several batches before our third son was born, and was so thankful for an easy, high-protein breakfast option that I could reheat one-handed!
Other Materials:
- Reusable or toss-away containers – I keep reusable and toss-away containers on hand. I also love the trendy idea to pick up used casserole dishes or containers from your local thrift store to give away to a friend. What a cute way to share a meal!
- Jars – You know those jars you save, but you don’t know what to do with them? Think jams, coconut oil, etc. I save mine and use them often to transport liquids or pack a cute snack! Tie a ribbon around it, and, wala! an adorable gift for a friend. Check out our fall and winter mason jar gift ideas for some inspiration. We even share a few ways to decorate mason jars for gifts as well!
- Candles – This one may sound obvious, but I think a candle can make all the difference. Lighting a candle creates a calm setting and invites conversation. We’re approaching fall season, so all the great scents are coming out!
Seasonal Favorites of a Great Host:
This one is a bonus. I have a few decor items that I have at the ready that make me look like I’m always prepared.
- Coffee mugs – Everyone has their favorite coffee mugs, right? If you don’t have a set of coffee mugs that make you smile, find a set that you love. I got some adorable fall mugs a few seasons ago, and it truly brings me joy to pull them out and share a cup with friends. I swear it makes my coffee taste better.
- Center piece – a center piece on your table adds a great touch to hosting, and it’s something you can keep out all the time. I change mine up with the seasons for something fresh, but it’s always there to add to the ambiance! Currently, our table is set for fall, you can see what we did here.
Other posts to see:
Got any hostess tips or tricks? Let me know over on Instagram! @homesweetharps
