Be Guest Ready Anytime

(Image courtesy of FotoLogic)

We’ve all been there - that awkward moment when a relaxing Saturday at home suddenly turns into a hangout session with twenty of your closest friends! Even worse than not having the apartment scoured and ready for guests, what are you going to feed everyone?

There’s no need to panic as long as you keep your pantry stocked with this shopping list courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com. With a little forethought, you can enjoy your emergency party just as much as your guests!

BAR ESSENTIALS:

Alcohol - Bottles of red and white wine, champagne or Prosecco, a light and dark beer, vodka, gin, a whiskey or bourbon.

Mixers - Tonic water, club soda, ginger beer or ale, cranberry juice, peach puree (for a simple Bellini), lemon and lime juice, sour mix, simple syrup, quality sparkling water for non-drinkers.

Garnishes - Sugar or sugar cubes, salt, cherries, pickled onions, cinnamon sticks, dried rosemary sprigs.

A rule of thumb for a stocked bar is to plan on three to four cocktails per guest, and three bottles of wine for every four people (for a three-hour party).

FOOD ESSENTIALS :

Hors d'Oeuvres - Dried herbs (thyme, sage, oregano, crushed chili pepper, garlic, onion salt, nutmeg, peppercorns, ground mustard, cumin), olives, pickles or cornichons, tapenades, roasted peppers, canned tomatoes, nuts (raw and roasted/salted), dried fruit, palm tree hearts, green chilis, beans (white, black, garbanzo, etc. great for homemade dips and spreads), jar of chopped garlic, black-eyed peas, wasabi peas or spanish cocktail mix, rice paper (for summer rolls), dried mushrooms, silken tofu (great for vegan recipes), vegetable bouillon cubes, cream of mushroom or celery soup (for sauces), dip mixes, pita chips, variety of crackers, tortilla chips.

Condiments - Olive oil, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, hot sauces, Sriracha, mustard (dijon, grainy, honey, etc.), mayo or Veganaise, salsa, a good chutney, nut butter, spreads, soy sauce or tamari, a couple dressings (vinaigrette & creamy).

Baked goods/Desserts - Brownie mix, cake or cookie mix, corn bread mix, Girl Scout cookies or Oreos (great for being vegan-friendly), soy milk (great to have on hand for times you're out of milk), dark chocolate, baking soda, baking powder, flour, vanilla, confectioner's sugar, brown sugar.

This list is by no means exhaustive — you could add to it if you want to be the hostess with the mostest, or swap out certain items for your favorites (like rum or tequila for gin). Do you have any pantry party favorites that didn't make the cut? If so, please tell us what you couldn't be without.