How to Entertain on a Moment’s Notice

Sharp Staff June 11, 2019

Grey Goose & Sharp

Given enough time, anyone can pull together a formal party, but it takes a truly savvy host to pull off a stylish shindig on a moment’s notice. Stay calm, arm yourself with a few quick cocktail recipes (and a bottle of Grey Goose vodka), some tasty snacks, and a bevy of chill tunes — and the good times will take care of themselves!

The Mood

As always, your playlist is going to go a long way toward setting the tone for your evening. A casual, last minute get-together calls for a particular set of jams — relaxed, but still vibrant — that will keep the mood loose and the toes tapping. Blending an eclectic mix of styles and genres, familiar favourites along with foreign discoveries, guarantees something for everyone.

Goose Jams:

“Let ’Em In” — Wings

“Darjeeling” — Barrie

“Overnight” — Parcels

“Mas, que Nada!” — Jorge Ben Jor

“I Confess” — The English Beat

“The Heat” — Jungle

“Kelly” — When Saints Go Machine

“Rock Creek Park” — The Blackbyrds

“Wishing Cap” — Crane Like The Bird

“Dancing On Glass” — St. Lucia

“Bonita Applebum” — A Tribe Called Quest

THE FOOD

For an impromptu dinner party, the ideal dish is a clever sleight of hand: something that looks impressive but is actually incredibly simple. This recipe transforms pantry staples (you probably have most of them already) and a few fresh ingredients into an easy summer meal with very little hands-on prep, so you can spend your time hanging with your guests and not in the kitchen.

Halibut with Cherry Tomatoes, Capers and Olives

1 2 lb halibut (or any white fish), skin on

2 shallots

1 12 oz package of cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup Kalamata olives

1/4 cup green olives

2 tablespoons capers

2 teaspoons dried oregano

Pinch of crushed red pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 lemon

Preheat the oven to 375 °F.

Slice shallots and add to roasting pan. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add to the shallots, followed by the olives, capers, oregano, and pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour two tablespoons of oil over everything and gently mix.

Place halibut on top and season gently with salt and pepper.

Place in oven and cook for 15 minutes. Add the white wine and cook for another 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle parsley. Add the juice of the lemon.

Present the whole dish right in the pan at the table.

Simple boiled potatoes would make an excellent accompaniment.

Serves 4 to 6

The Drink

A perfect, summery cocktail should be light, refreshing, and easy to share. Filled with fresh herbs and citrus, and poured over plenty of ice, this take on a classic Moscow Mule — featuring Grey Goose vodka — is exactly what your party calls for. Take a sip and follow these steps for a get-together nobody will forget, because no matter the occasion, you and your guests deserve to celebrate with the very best.