Hectic Host: Pantry Party Planner

It is a few days before Christmas, you are queuing in the post office, one-fifth of the way through your five page to-do list, when you are tapped on the shoulder; ‘I thought it was you. How funny. Simon and I were just talking about you last night. We must get together before Christmas. Shall we pop over tonight? We’ll have the girls and their boyfriends with us and Simon’s sister and brother-in-law from San Diego. And the dogs. Is 8ish OK? Don’t go to any trouble.'

You raise a smile as your heart sinks.

With a larder stocked with a few local larder staples you can cope with any number of surprise guests popping over for drinks, here’s what you need.

Franklin’s Farm Shop wins my fabulous find of the year award, ‘Tomato Stall’ oak roasted tomatoes grown on the Isle of Wight, £3.95 for 250 gms, are divine. Simply pour the flavoursome little fruits, which are preserved in olive oil, into a bowl and allow your guests to pick at them with cocktail sticks.  If you have any left over throw them into a salad or over a bowl of steaming pasta for an instant lunch. Another winner from Franklins is Egyptian style Dukkah, £4.15, which went down a storm at recent party I had. Simply mix a teaspoon of this mixture of roasted nuts, seeds and spices into a bowl of olive oil and you have an instant exotic dip. Whilst you are there pick up an Alejandro Chorizo Magno,  £4.95, which can literally hang around in your larder for months. Finally Kent & Sussex Espresso for Cafetiéres, £4.45, is a great coffee and an excellent way to signal that the evening is winding down.

SMBS is also an Aladdin’s cave of unusual treats anytime of the year. Zara Mama’s gourmet popping corn, £2.20, is corn you pop on the cob in the microwave and is bound to get the party going with a bang. Also keep a stash of their organic fruit purees, £1.35, are great when used with cheese and crackers. Try strawberry and apple with a crumbly Cheddar or pear flaked with grated Parmesan, both easy secured from the Cheese Block next door.

If you are forever running out to buy bread I have discovered that vacuum packed rye bread, £1.99 from the Mediterranean Supermarket, 18 Lordship Lane, is the best thing since sliced bread. With a six-month shelf life, yet free from preservatives, you can always have tasty and healthy bread to hand. Spread with cream cheese and smoked salmon, sour cream and pickled herring from Moxons or Sopers. Or leftovers such as roast beef on a layer of creamy horseradish.

Cocktails are a must-have ice breaker and this year my favourite has to be the ever so elegant Rose Martini. All you need is a bottle of very good gin and rose syrup, £3.85 from the East Dulwich Deli. In a cocktail shaker, shake five parts gin with one part rose syrup and ice. Strain into Martini glasses, wipe the rim with lemon and add a twist of peel. Whilst enjoying your pink martini, what better soundtrack to your evening than the new Christmas album, ‘Joy to the World’ by Pink Martini.

Designated drivers can have a miserable time this time of year add a bit of sparkle to their evening with Bellot superior fizzy drinks from France via Franklins and the East Dulwich Deli. ‘Pomegranate’ or ‘Blueberry & Pomegranate’ flavours are much more appetizing than the usual mineral water proffered and come in those wonderful old fashioned soda bottles that you can use again. So get started on that sloe gin recipe and it will be ready just in time for your surprise guests next year! And a happy and healthy year may it be!

This article appears in the December issues of www.semagazines.co.uk