If you’ve ever found yourself in a pinch to prep for guests, be it an impromptu gathering with neighbors, last minute friends stopping by or extra kids showing up for dinner, it’s important to have some tricks up your sleeve to feed a hungry crowd in a hurry.
Be ready to entertain at a moments notice with these time saving party ideas.
Keep easy frozen foods on hand. Hamburger patties, frozen lasagna, assorted veggies, meatballs, little smokies. Anything that you can freeze to add to whip up a favorite quick recipe or throw on the grill.
Our Deli is your friend. No time to plan ahead? Stop by the deli on your last minute shopping trip and pick up some fresh sliced premium deli meats to have on hand for guests to make their own sandwiches. Or try our deli fresh Chopper Chicken Tenders from the deli. They are one of our most popular items for gatherings, picnics etc. Kids & adults love them.
Stop by the salad bar. Need a few sliced, diced or prepared items that you don’t have time to make yourself? Pick up those specific items and save time. Hard boiled eggs are one of the things we often see people buying prepared.
Decorate with edible items. Make the table setting fun with food! Pick up different candies to keep on hand like Skittles, holiday M&M’s, etc to put in Mason Jars, clear glass jars & use on table as a decoration when you might have a last minute gathering. It looks fun & it can serve as a sweet treat.
Think toppings! Taco Bar, Potato bar etc. If your guests have offered to bring something to the party have them pick up a topping that can be added to the food you prepare easily.
Toothpicks & Skewers - Food on a stick is a fast way to make any gathering a party. Cut various fruit & add to skewers before placing on serving plate. If you are extremely short on time, we offer pre-cut fruit & then you can add it to serving plates or bowls with toothpicks or put it on a skewer. It will look like you spent oodles of time prepping for the party.
Easy desserts. Our current favorite is the smores oven dip. Always keep Graham crackers, Chocolate chips & Jumbo marshmallows on hand. No need to make this ahead of time, you can throw it together in a flash.
Preheat the oven to 450.
Layer chocolate chips on the bottom of an oven safe skillet. Then top with Jumbo marshmallows. Bake for 10 mins or so.
Broil on Lo for 1 to 2 minutes to brown up marshmallows. Cool briefly and serve warm with graham crackers for dipping. So good, so easy!- Don't forget music! No time to create a play list- no problem. Now through Labor Day, we have fun & commercial free music streaming on Pandora just for you. Just add our Fresh Summer Station and enjoy every crazy minute of summer.
