Hectic Host: Helpful Hints For Simple & Speedy Summer Entertaining

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Being more hectic than ever this month having survived swine flu, sprained my back, had a root canal and endured the kitchen being remodelled - and yes the building work was by far the most painful – I decided to hit the streets and find out from our local movers and shakers their secrets for the perfect summer party.

I started with the lovely Suzanne James, any excuse to pop along for a glass of rosé with the party planner extraordinaire and cutting edge caterer on Barry Road. When I arrived Sue was busy helping a client with a seating plan. On the counter were several paper plates, representing the tables, around which Sue was allocating tiny post-its, representing guests. As each table plan was signed of the names were written on the plate leaving a permanent record. You can even move the ‘tables’ around the ‘room’ to ensure maximum cordiality. A truly top table tip.

Off to Le Chandelier on Lordship Lane, a haven of tea and treats, where Daphne Kellett tells me about the perfect tea party. ‘Different teas need different temperatures for the perfect cuppa’, Daphne explains. ‘Black teas need to be piping hot, leave the kettle off the boil for other teas, such as green tea or herbal infusions. And don't follow the old adage one more for the pot!’ And to eat? ‘Cucumber sandwiches every time! What could be easier, quicker, cheaper or better suited to all tastes.’ 

Talking of sandwiches, Tarka Cowlan of the Pavilion Café in Dulwich Park gave me her secret to hassle free Egg Mayo and it literally works a treat. Break whole eggs into a glass bowl, microwave whilst folding in the sides regularly until completely cooked and hard (don’t break the yokes!) mash, add mayonnaise and seasoning. Job Done!

Carolyn Trendall of Mad Cow Design in West Dulwich loves serving her friends fresh herb salads. Carolyn has a very green tip to keep your supermarket herbs thriving longer. Don’t throw away old tins, punch holes in side, line with a little cardboard and fill with soil and herbs, water and place in convenient and accessible points in your garden or patio. Simply pull of a few leaves as and when you need and sprinkle on your salad. 

For the dressing? Mary Watson recommends trying her Zaytoun Palestinian Olive Oil, which comes with a packet of herbs and is £5.75 From The Bread of Life Fair Trade Centre, Barry Road. For a Vinaigrette you won’t regret simply whisk one part oil to three parts vinegar with a little mustard to bind and season to taste.

Back home for a welcome drink. Roullier White’s top tip is when making ice cubes freeze them with slices of lime or lemon already inside. It will save you time on the day and stop any pesky bugs settling on the fruit slices. Also G&T with plenty of ice and spears of cucumber, rather than slices or wedges, are absolutely delicious!

Hectic Host appears in the monthly issues of SE Magazines

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