Caught yourself overthinking about what to prepare for a movie night with your friends or perhaps for the birthday party you’re hosting next month? No need to stress yourself out. I’ve got a few simple entertaining ideas ready to help you feed a crowd regardless of the special occasion you’re celebrating.
Having your family and friends over, chatting and bonding over a spread of delicious dishes creates beautiful memories that will stay with you for years to come. Yet, deciding on what you want to serve and how to plan everything can be a challenging task, especially when you have little experience entertaining guests at home.
Even though now I enjoy hosting parties, it took me years to get comfortable entertaining, not to mention cooking for larger crowds. Luckily, Gus and my boys have been the most supportive food tasters and critics I could have had.
If you’re looking to build confidence when celebrating at home, my advice is to start by inviting people you feel most comfortable with. Think close friends and family members that you wouldn’t mind cooking in front of in case you were running behind or even asking for help with plating up a dish or placing the food on the table.
6 fun ways to celebrate special occasions at home
There are the three key steps I follow when I’m hosting that allow me to keep the experience stress-free: prepare ahead, simplify, and enjoy yourself.
That means I choose simple recipes with minimal steps and ingredients and tackle food prepping and make-ahead dishes in the days before the event. Plus, I make the most out of the time I get to spend with my guests. Unwashed dishes, worries about the food being warm enough, or garnishes and decorations looking perfect shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the gathering.
As my passion for cooking flourished, I gradually began sharing my tried-and-tested traditional Middle Eastern recipes with my friends and family by hosting dinner parties at home. Here are 6 simple ideas you can try if you plan to have a home celebration anytime soon.
1. Throwing a dinner party
Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to keep it smaller, more intimate, and to plan ahead. Start by creating a menu that feels homey and inviting—simple dishes that showcase flavour and love without leaving you stressed in the kitchen all day. Block off time during the week leading up to the gathering for tasks like shopping, prepping ingredients, and cooking. Breaking it down into manageable steps makes the entire process much more enjoyable.
If you’re new to hosting, a clear timeline can be your best friend. Planning out what needs to be done each day—from cleaning the house to setting the table—takes the guesswork out of the day and helps you stay organised. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when you can actually enjoy the evening with your guests!
When it comes to setting up your table, don’t overthink it. A warm, welcoming table doesn’t need to be fancy. Start with a clean tablecloth or runner, then add some personal touches like fresh flowers, candles, or even herbs in small jars for a touch of greenery. Use mismatched plates or handmade serving bowls to create a cozy, lived-in feel. The goal is to make your guests feel at home and relaxed, not intimidated.
For more tips and tricks to stay organised and stress-free, check out my party planning checklist here! It’s packed with ideas to help you pull off a celebration that’s equal parts simple and memorable.
2. Setting a buffet dinner table
A buffet-style setup is the perfect casual alternative to a sit-down dinner party. By serving food on a separate table or even on the kitchen bench, guests can help themselves and enjoy trying a bit of everything you’ve prepared. It’s a great way to keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming, allowing everyone to feel more at home.
The beauty of a buffet is that it encourages mixing and mingling as guests build their plates. Just be warned—there’s always that one guest who takes their time deciding while others are politely waiting to get to the plate! But hey, that’s all part of the fun.
You can include a mix of hot and cold dishes, vibrant salads, and easy finger foods, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, it’s a stress-free way to host, as you can prep much of the food ahead of time and enjoy the evening with your guests.
Take inspiration from the photo—plenty of variety, bold flavours, and a warm, inviting spread that brings people together. A buffet makes any gathering feel special while keeping things effortless for the host.
3. Hosting a barbecue
Barbecues are my absolute favourite way to entertain, especially during summer. There’s just something about the smoky aroma of a charcoal barbecue that creates the perfect relaxed atmosphere. The sound of marinated meats sizzling on the grill, a table filled with fresh salads, dips, and side dishes, and the laughter of loved ones—it’s the ultimate way to enjoy those long, lazy summer days.
In my world, barbecues aren’t just about tossing some meat on the grill. They’re a celebration of flavour and community. Think juicy lamb cutlets, marinated lamb back-strap bursting with Middle Eastern spices, and sides that steal the show—like spicy chilli avocado hummus, creamy baba ghanouj, and the ever-classic fattoush salad. And let’s not forget freshly baked bread to scoop up every last bite of those dips.
Add a refreshing drink like jallab to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect setting for guests to kick back, relax, and savour every bite. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration, these dishes are guaranteed to leave your guests asking for seconds (and the recipes!).
Click here for my go-to Middle Eastern barbecue recipes and tips for your next feast.
4. Creating a grazing table
Grazing tables are the ultimate low-fuss choice for hosting any kind of party. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, engagement, or a casual family gathering, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. A grazing table filled with a variety of foods is not only delicious but also doubles as a show-stopping centrepiece.
But let me tell you—my grazing tables aren’t just crackers, sticks, and dips! They’re packed with real, hearty food, like sambuski, za’atar croissants, vibrant salads, mini wraps, and more. Add some Middle Eastern favourites alongside fresh fruits, nuts, and mini desserts, and you’ve got a spread that will keep everyone coming back for more.
The way you arrange the food is just as important as what you serve. Create visual appeal by using different heights, textures, and pops of colour with edible flowers, fresh herbs, or pomegranate seeds. Group similar items together to make it easy for guests to mix and match their plates.
Take inspiration from the Middle Eastern grazing table I created for a pre-formal party—it’s full of bold flavours and a balance of sweet and savoury dishes. Click here to check out my guide on how to create your own grazing table.
With a grazing table, you can serve up variety, flavour, and style all in one go. It’s perfect for making your guests feel welcomed and well-fed without spending the entire evening in the kitchen.
5. Putting together a cheeseboard
Cheeseboards are perfect for any occasion—holidays, birthdays, girls’ nights, or just casual entertaining at home. They’re colourful, inviting, and always a hit with guests. The best part? You can customize them with your favourite cheeses, fruits, and nibbles to suit the theme of your gathering.
If their overflowing, artistic look feels intimidating, don’t worry—it’s easier than it seems. Start with a variety of cheeses (soft, hard, and aged), then add crackers, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and maybe a touch of sweetness like chocolate or honey. Add some greenery or edible flowers to bring it all together and make it look extra special.
Cheeseboards are also a great way to showcase your creativity. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with layers of vibrant colours and textures, they’re sure to impress your guests. Remember, the key is balance—mixing flavours and textures to create a board that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Take inspiration from the photo—it’s all about thoughtful placement and a little creativity. Click here for my guide to creating a stunning cheeseboard! Your guests will love it, and it’s guaranteed to be a showstopper!
Want to surprise your partner with an easy yet fancy-looking appetiser? Here’s how you can put together a cheese board for two for your at-home date night.
6. Making a backyard picnic
Picnics are a wonderful way to gather your loved ones and enjoy the outdoors with homemade snacks and a bit of fun. You could even set up a movie projector with a plain white sheet for a unique outdoor movie night!
When it comes to food, mine isn’t just crackers and cheese—it’s simple yet full of flavour. Think veggie sticks, hummus, za’atar croissants with labneh dip, cold wraps (like za’atar or hummus chicken), fresh fruits like watermelon and grapes, dried fruits, nuts, and even banana bread. It’s all easy to prep, and most can be made a day ahead!
Check out my blog for more picnic food ideas with a Middle Eastern twist!
Let the party begin
Whichever idea you go with, remember that a beautiful celebration comes down to three basic things: good company, good food and good laughs.
For more delicious content on celebrations, don’t forget to check out my latest blogs:
- Ramadan – What It Means For Me [ +10 Easy Iftar Recipes]
- 5 Reasons Why Eid Is So Special To Me
- Easter In The Middle East
- Step-By-Step Middle Eastern Christmas Lunch Menu