Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

Follow Chef Jimmy’s tips for a stress free dinner party and guests are guaranteed to be raving.

Prepare in advance. Complete as much as possible in advance of guests’ arrival. This helps to eliminate last minute mistakes and allows the host to spend more time with guests.

Always offer hors d’oeuvres. Upon guests’ arrival, make sure to offer canapés, as well as a drink. This helps to dispel guests from becoming irritable and hungry.

Keep it simple! A simple dish done well is always impressive, less stressful and less likely to fail. A soup course is fast and easy. If there won’t be more than four courses, serve bread.

Make it fun. “Pot Luck” dinners are the least stressful. Every couple is asked to bring a course - the host normally prepares the main dish. Request that guests stick to one theme. A subterranean themed party is easy since it refers to anything that is from under the ground (i.e. potatoes, yam, rabbit, truffle, etc.)

Add an extra course. To make the menu seem longer, add a simple component such as a cheese or sorbet course. This will ensure that guests are satiated at the conclusion of the meal.

Consider everyone. A non-alcoholic punch is refreshing and is a perfect option for those who don’t drink alcohol, as well as for those who are driving.

About Otahuna Lodge

Otahuna Lodge evokes a romantic British Colonial sensibility through its historic Queen Anne architecture and intimate size. The 30-acre estate provides guests with the quintessential New Zealand lodge experience featuring exceptional amenities, personalized service and uniquely memorable surroundings. Translated from the Maori language, Otahuna is a “little hill among the hills.” The seven-suite Lodge sits on a hill between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsula , providing commanding views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.

Originally built in 1895, Otahuna Lodge served as the primary residence of politician Sir Heaton Rhodes for over 60 years. The property holds a Category 1 Listing from New Zealand ’s National Historic Places Trust and is acclaimed as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia. Americans Hall Cannon and Miles Refo purchased Otahuna in August 2006. The Lodge opened in 2007 following an extensive renovation. Otahuna Lodge is a Relais & Châteaux property and a Virtuoso member.