Warm weather means more get-togethers and from now until Christmas Day, it can be non-stop drop-ins, parties and backyard barbies. Entertaining usually means big grocery bills but the good news is there are lots of shortcuts that can help you catch up with friends without adding to financial pressures.
“Entertaining doesn’t have to be expensive,” says MasterChef Australia winner Brent Draper. “As long as you have good music and some drinks to wash it down with, that’s all you really need. Entertaining is about friendship, not about the fancy food you’re serving people.” Silvia Colloca, TV presenter and author of Italian Family Food, agrees. “Good company always trumps elaborate multi-course meals.”
For chef Neil Perry, the secret is using fresh, seasonal ingredients. “I very rarely entertain fussy,” he says. “I just love using beautiful produce and ingredients – that’s the best eating.” To prove that catering on a budget is possible, Brent, Silvia and Neil open the doors to their kitchens and share their best tips for keeping costs down and flavour high.
Entertain from your pantry
Instead of writing a long shopping list, start with what you already have in the pantry – a few basics can be all you need for low-cost entertaining. “I always have tinned tuna, white beans, anchovies and chickpeas. They make great salads and aren’t expensive,” says Neil.
Brent makes sure he always has chillies at the ready, too. “I’ve got a solid collection of Mexican dried chillies, which means at any moment I can make a quick salsa roja or salsa macha,” he says. “Put that on top of some barbecued meat with fresh pico de gallo and corn tortillas and you’re laughing.
