Have you ever volunteered to host a happy hour the very same day, or even just an hour or two before guests arrive? You have to decide between the impossible: pulling snacks and drinks together or cleaning your space. Keeping a few easy items in your pantry and freezer can take you from whirlwind chaos to the hosting champ of your friend group. Here are seven easy staples to keep for last-minute entertaining:
1. Frozen Appetizers
We all have seen the explosion happening in the grocery store freezer aisle. Ready-made appetizers, from your childhood classics like pizza bagels and pigs-in-a-blanket to more upscale items like mini quiches and spanakopita, have changed the game when it comes to entertaining. If you love to have people over, keep some quick bites in your freezer to be always ready to party.
Check out our ranking of the Top 10 Trader Joes Frozen Apps.
2. Pineapple Juice
This staple can seem basic, but hear us out. Pineapple juice has a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it the perfect mixer to keep on hand. You can make anything from a classic Pina Colada to more unique mixed cocktails to batch drinks like sangria or a rum punch.
3. Popcorn (Microwaveable or Kernels)
This crunchy snack isn’t just for movies! Popcorn is a great pantry staple to keep around to a quick bite with drinks. You can enjoy it with the classic butter and salt, or you can play around with tons of flavor combinations. You can even set up a DIY topping bar for your guests to season to their heart's content!
Want some flavored popcorn inspiration? Here’s our recipe roundup for 5 Popcorn Flavor Combinations You Have to Try.
4. Lots of Ice
Ice is basic, but it’s so essential. If you have a built-in ice machine, you’re one of the lucky ones. If you’re stuck using trays to get your ice fix, give this tip a try: keep a large, gallon-sized resealable bag full of ice at all times in your freezer. It's straightforward, we know, but it can seriously change the game for entertaining. It’ll take a little bit to fill up the bag, but once you have it always at the ready, you never have to struggle to get ice out of those trays ever again! Even if the ice bag is just for yourself, it makes perfectly chilled drinks that much easier.
5. Bottled Lemon Juice
We always say to use fresh citrus juice when mixing cocktails, but sometimes you don’t have the time to hit the store before hosting. You can use bottled lemon juice to make cocktails, mocktails, or even just lemonade. It’s a great go-to staple to keep around to make entertaining that much easier.
6. Paper Napkins
Obvious? Sure, but you won’t regret having these in your pantry whenever you invite people over. It’s so much easier than trying to tear off paper towels and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, people will often take a napkin instead of a plate, meaning you have fewer dishes to tackle at the end of the night (or even the next morning, we don’t judge!)
7. Deck of Cards
A deck of cards might not immediately come to mind when thinking about entertaining, but it can be a lifesaver when your crowd doesn’t quite have the energy you want. You can play so many drinking games or even just party games to help people break the ice. Who knows, there may even be a magician in the group to show off some tricks.