Easy entertaining options is the name of the game at Christmas, especially when it comes to streamlining office Christmas get-togethers while creating maximum impact.
With the workplace pace picking up as we head into the end of the year, the festive time necessitates shopping smarter, not harder.
We asked Winc’s resident entertaining guru and gal about the kitchen, Belinda Richter to share some easy entertaining ideas to take the stress out of silly season entertaining.
“Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. So the last thing you want is added stress, more work or a workplace full of people enjoying themselves while you’re stuck in the office kitchen prepping.
“I’ve put together some fun platter ideas that can be prepared ahead of time and brought out when work colleagues descend. And best of all, everything can be purchased from Winc with your regular workplace supplies ordered and delivered direct, next business day*,” shared Belinda.
Christmas spread #1: Chips & Dips with a Twist.
“I challenge anyone to walk past a platter of Doritos and dip and not go in for a dunk! This season, why not up your spice salsa game and mix a few drops of Tabasco into the salsa to give it an extra edge,” suggested Belinda.
Keep the corn chip plain with Doritos Original Salted and choose a mild dip such as Doritos Mild Salsa.
Christmas spread #2: Savoury Smorgasboard.
“Christmas is the best time to go overboard with a smorgasboard. Why choose one flavour of crisps when you can choose seven! Think Cheezels, Grain Waves, Pretzels and more.
“And rather than simply dumping the bag in a bowl and moving on to the next thing, why not pull out a festive silver platter, such as the Tomkin Chef Inox Rolled Edge Oval Platter and cluster the chips in groups for added impact. Add some height to your tablescape by filling jars with savoury snacks like Victoria Gardens Wasabi Peas, & Mix Nuts & Rice Crackers and Calbee Harvest Snaps Pea snacks,” recommended Belinda.
Sweets spread #3: Sweets Grazing Board.
When it comes to the sweet part of the party, make things easy for yourself and create a colourful cornucopia of chocolates and lollies. Who can resist Allen’s Strawberries and Cream Lollies, Jaffas or Pineapple Lollies. Display with some small plates or bowels and a few pairs of Stainless Steel Tongs so colleagues can create their own pic-n-mix party plates.
And when it’s time to bring out the tea, a thoughtfully curated biscuit platter can be a real show-stopper. Design your platter with the colours of Christmas in mind. Think – Arnott Tim Tam White Chocolate Biscuits, raspberry and coconut Iced Vovos and pink Hundreds and Thousands Biscuits. Add a few green and gold foil wrapped Cadbury Roses Chocolates to your platter to add a wow factor.
Remember to keep the platters topped up over the course of the party. Don’t want left-overs? Have some cellophane or paper bags available for colleagues to drop an assortment of lollies or chips in to take home with them.
From drinks to catering to outdoor essentials, spread some festive cheer this holiday season and shop our range on Christmas essentials now.
* (Next business day delivery for in-stock items in metro areas ordered before 5pm).
