Play To The Crowd

Expecting to host the masses these holidays? Siba Mtongana is the undisputed queen of easy, showstopping recipes that will please everyone from special guests and extended family, to picky eaters and little ones

I LOVE HOSTING

– I enjoy feeding people good food! The kitchen is my space and I enjoy spending time there. It’s never a small group, but I’m not intimidated because I come from a big family and I was always the resident cook at home when I was growing up. These are my top survival tips for entertaining in the December holidays.

1. Plan ahead, Fred!

I’ve hosted children’s birthday parties, my in-laws, friends, church gatherings, even my husband Brian’s friends who arrive unannounced – so I know that planning is key (though I can wing it for lastminute gatherings). I usually plan the menu at least a week or two in advance, especially around Christmas. I’ve been stung by that before! I once decided not to entertain and then, at the last minute, pulled all my friends together. But it was tricky to find produce, so buy or order your turkey or gammon in advance and keep it in your freezer.

2. Make friends with your butcher

I save time by asking the butcher or fishmonger to clean and prep the cuts for me. I’m kind to myself – I know my strengths and limitations and, as a mom, TV show host and businesswoman, my time is very much in demand. But I’ve built a group of suppliers who know me and can help at short notice. Get to know your community of suppliers, including the butcher or fishmonger in your local Woolies store.

3. Ask for help

I’m not afraid to ask when I need extra hands. If I can have someone chop all the onions for me, that’s amazing. To make things easier, you can even pre-chop everything into different tubs and arrange all the ingredients for each dish on its own prep tray on a shelf in the fridge. Then you’ll be free to focus on the cooking on the day.

4. Give your fridge a hand