I’m a stay at home mom. To five children. Soooooo being around other adults is vital to my quality of life. Luckily I am a person who loves to host events, especially if a cocktail is involved. After many years of last minute grocery runs I have learned how to put together a party ready pantry.
My pantry will look different from yours but if you use these tips you will be ready too!!
Here are my suggestions:
– What is your favorite dip (mine is buffalo chicken wing dip)? Make sure you have the ingredients on hand as well as whatever you need to accompany it.
– Snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.) I have to hide these snacks on top of the basement fridge so that they are not in sight of the children (oh and me!). It’s nice to be able to pull out a bag of chips when company is on the way!
– Juice boxes! Day to day we avoid juice boxes but when we have guests over it is SO much easier than getting kids individual drinks. I usually end up with a mishmash of juice boxes in the basement fridge from various events so I only restock when necessary.
– Adult Beverages of choice. In our house we are pretty much dedicated beer drinkers but I like to keep a bottle of white and red wine as well as a limited selection of liquor on hand. Best way to build your liquor and wine stash is by hosting a party – have the party – get the booze!
– Napkins as well as disposable plates and silverware. When I’m really organized I also keep a brown kraft paper roll handy so I can roll out a tablecloth (added bonus the kids can draw on it!).
Start with what you want to have on your menu….here is what is currently stocked in my freezer and pantry.
Menu
Dip & Snacks
Pulled Chicken BBQ
Vegetable
Mac & Cheese
Brownies
Then stock your pantry accordingly –
- Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip ingredients and Wheat Thins ****Even if you don’t keep an entire meals worth of items on the ready I highly suggest having stuff for a dip or appetizer. It is nice to throw something together on your way to someone else’s house too!****
- Freezer Pulled Chicken BBQ (chicken breasts and BBQ sauce)
- BBQ Sauce (extra!)
- Hamburger Buns for BBQ Chicken (throw these in the freezer and thaw out as needed)
- Annie’s Mac & Cheese (make your life easy!)
- Frozen or Canned Vegetables
- Brownie/Cookie Mix OR Make a double batch when you bake and freeze your cookies
This is my list and hopefully inspiration for you to build your party pantry based on what you like to eat/drink. Really it is just about taking time to think through what you need and setting it aside for when you have people coming over!
Happy Hosting!