Here’s How to Host a Big Crowd

The thought of hosting a big crowd in your home can be daunting, but a little advance planning and preparation can make it much easier. The type of event you plan will depend on your available space, your kitchen prep area, and how many people you plan to invite. Whether it’s a formal dinner party, buffet, or cocktail mixer, these hosting tips will help make it a success.

Prep Ahead of Time

When planning a party, don’t leave anything until the last minute. Advance meal prep is key to enjoying a stress-free event: 

• Plan the event in detail and write everything down 

• Choose your recipes and note all the ingredients 

• Ensure that as many dishes as possible can be made in advance 

• Prepare a shopping list and purchase everything as early as you can 

• Clean out your refrigerator to make room for prepped party dishes 

• Organize the groceries in recipe groups to save time 

• Chop vegetables and fruits in advance and store in plastic bags 

• Mix dry ingredients for each recipe then label and store each bag clearly 

• Decide which serving platters/bowls and utensils you’ll use for each dish

Cook Ahead of Time

If you plan on freezing prepped dishes, you can cook them several days in advance. Make sure you allow enough time before the party to defrost and warm the food. Other dishes can be done the day before your event and stored in the refrigerator. Here are a few easy dishes that work extremely well for a crowd:

• Roast chicken and veggies: chicken thighs and drums will save on prep time and make serving easier 

• Grilled pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa: cook several tenderloins at once 

• Classic beef stew: look for a boeuf bourguignon recipe to fancy things up a bit 

• Classic meat loaf: make several loaves and vary the ingredients 

• Lasagna: a classic party dish that can be made to fit your crowd size

Finger Foods

Hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, and finger foods can work as a first course or a full meal if you’re planning a stand-up gathering. They’re also ideal for casual drop-in celebrations, such as a retirement party, graduation, or birthday party. Here are some easy-to-prepare appetizers: 

• Mini sausage rolls 

• Small quiche tartlets 

• Cheese squares or a cheese board 

• Cold meat rolls 

• Vegetable plate with dips 

• Fruit chunks on toothpicks

Go Buffet Style

A buffet is often the easiest way to serve a large crowd. A well-designed buffet table can look beautiful with plates set at different heights and various serving platters showing colourful dishes. Things to consider: 

• Make the beginning and end of your buffet table obvious to prevent traffic jams 

• If you have room, place the table away from a wall so service can move around both sides 

• Stack plates at the front end of the table and napkin-wrapped cutlery at the other 

• Add name cards to each dish to help anyone with diet restrictions (be sure to identify any nut-bearing dishes) 

• Add small plates around the table for resting serving spoons 

• Place a drip catcher under beverage dispenser spouts

One Pot Cooking

When you’re cooking for many, there are several large kitchen appliances that can help you out. These need little attention after you’ve loaded the contents and set the appropriate operations. Some can also be used to keep food warm:

• Dutch Oven: Allows you to brown meats on the stovetop then transfer to the oven all in one pot 

• Air Fryer: Great for quick, healthy cooking as it uses hardly any oil 

• Slow Cooker: Lets you set-it-and-forget-it while attending to other party prep 

• Pressure Cooker: Cooks foods in less time than other appliances

Double Up Dishes

Some recipes are easily doubled such as stews, chicken casserole and similar vegetable casseroles. Just be careful that you don’t over-season the larger quantities. Start with the amounts listed in recipes and add a little extra gradually, tasting as you go.

Make Vegan Optional Dishes

When you know that vegans or vegetarians are among your invitees, you’ll need to cater to them as well as the omnivores. Try to plan some vegan recipes or vegetarian recipes without offering totally separate meals. You can save time and satisfy everyone by preparing a vegetarian recipe to which meat can be added. Here are some to consider: 

• Tortellini with butternut squash and mushrooms (add cheese or sausage) 

• Ravioli casserole (vegetable or meat filling) Tacos with tofu, avocados and other veggies (add shrimp or fish) 

• Pasta salad (you can sub in more veggies or add chicken, or any other meat) 

• Chili with white beans (option to add ground beef or turkey) 

• Roasted vegetables with tomato sauce (good option for everyone) 

• Green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole (good option for everyone)

Timing Your Meal

The type of event you plan will dictate when your food needs to be ready to serve. If you’re having a sit-down three-course meal, then everything needs to be ready at the same time. You will, of course, need to keep mains and veggies warm while your guests eat the starter dish. A cool dessert can simply sit until required. If you’re serving finger foods, you can have some in the oven while offering a few pre-prepared cold items.

Keep it Warm

If your buffet or mixer will go on for several hours, you’ll want to prevent your food from getting cold. Warming trays work great, but you can also add an electric skillet or portable cooktop to your buffet table.

Drinks & Refreshments

Now that you’ve got the food under control, it’s time to think about party drinks. Keep beverage choices minimal and be sure to include water and several non-alcohol options. Bear safety in mind while keeping an eye on consumption. Be sure to arrange designated drivers and rides home for those who need it.

Cleanup

Cleaning up during a party is bad form. It makes your guests think it’s time to leave. You should, however, remove empty dishes, glasses, trays etc, and take them to the kitchen. If you need more space, clear a few pantry or closet shelves for temporary storage until you’re ready to wash the dishes.

You’re now prepared to plan and host the perfect party. Keep it simple so you can enjoy your own event, and don’t be afraid to call in a helping hand two if you need them.