Are You Party Ready?

There is no panic like the one when unexpected guests drop in on your door step ready for a night full of entertainment. Even those the love to entertain can sometimes be overwhelmed with last minute surprises.

This week I had the chance to join the perfect hostess and Elextrolux brand ambassador,
Kelly Ripa, and award-winning chef and restaurateur, Tom Colicchio, at the ultimate party ready bootcamp and part of a campaign by Electrolux to support The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

While Colicchio cooked us an amazing lunch, which consisted of an easy one dish pasta and roasted chicken, Ripa entertained the audience with her witty banter {including some very hilarious cured meat jokes.} The two worked as a great team and had me laughing the entire lunch. The undeniable chemistry between the two had every blogger agreeing that Colicchio would make a great replacement as the next Regis.

The two gave us these helpful tips for entertaining impromptu guests:

1. Keep the right staples on hand. This is Colicchio’s number one secret for being ready when friends and family drop in. Always have several bottles of your favorite wine chilling in the fridge and go-to edibles in the pantry pull together a quick bite or even a light meal at a moment’s notice.
2. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. You don’t need to wow your guests with five dishes, do it with three. That way you’re not spending too much time in the kitchen, and you can entertain your guests.
3. Pasta is a quick and easy go-to dish, plus it feeds a full house. Make sure to have an array of pastas in the cabinet so it’s easy to prepare a delicious, satisfying dish anytime.
4. Trying to impress? Grilling a steak is quick and can be easily dressed up with a simple, store-bought (or easily prepared at home) relish, sauce or tapenade. Add in some grilled or marinated vegetables for a complete meal.

Aside from having the right food on hand, you also need the right appliances. “The right appliances can make all the difference and Electrolux is committed to helping impromptu entertainers always be ready,” said Kevin Scott, CEO of Electrolux Major Appliances, North America. “Our new French Door Refrigerator is built with their needs in mind — from our Party Ice system which means there will always be plenty of ice on hand to our Perfect TempTM drawer which keeps all your party essentials at precisely the perfect temperature. No matter who drops by, never fear. You’ll be ready.’

Please visit www.kelly-confidential.com and take Kelly’s ‘Are You Party Ready?’ challenge. When you do, $1 will automatically go to OCRF as part of Electrolux’s $750,000 commitment to the cause.

What are tips you have for being party ready?

{Disclosure: My participation in the ‘Are You Party Ready’ Campaign was sponsored by Electrolux who provided me with transportation arrangements to and from New York City to participate. I also received a gift bag from the event. All opinions expressed are my own. Photos via Electrolux.}