Bring Back the House Party (Just Because)
I’ve entertained more people in my career than I can count—weddings, brunches, birthdays, holidays, you name it. But some of my favorite memories? They weren’t big, fancy events. They were the quiet little dinners at home. A few friends. A full table. Good food. Lots of laughs.
If it feels like people don’t entertain much anymore—you're not imagining it. There’s been a real shift. Life is busy, homes have become private retreats, and sometimes the idea of hosting feels like just one more thing on a long to-do list. Social media’s perfect party pressure doesn’t help either.
But maybe it’s time we bring that back, in our own relaxed, come-as-you-are kind of way.
Somewhere along the way, we’ve stopped having people over. I get it—life’s chaotic, we’re all busy, and home has become our private hideaway from the world. But maybe it’s time we take some of that beautiful space we’ve created and open it up again… even just a little.
You don’t need a big occasion. Plan a party for no reason other than to share your love of food and the comfort of your home. We add pressure onto ourselves by having parties next to never and when we do the impulse is to invite the whole neighbourhood. Why add so much stress? Keep it small and intimate. have many gatherings! It will get easier every time(and you can make the same food every time for new guests and just get better and better!)
Here’s how to make it joyful—not stressful:
Keep it small. One, two, maybe four people max. Make it cozy and connected.
Cook ahead. Think casseroles, hearty salads, a great charcuterie board—things that can chill overnight and taste even better the next day.
Get people involved. Let friends help out. Give them simple tasks or let them assemble their own plates. Nothing builds community like cooking together.
Set the mood. Turn on some music. Ask Alexa to play “kitchen party” or “chill dinner vibes” and see what happens. Light a candle or two. Boom—instant ambiance.
Chef Terry’s Top Hosting Tips
Set the table the night before. One less thing to do = less chaos.
Make a signature drink. Sangria, mocktail, or even fancy lemonade!
Light a cozy candle or stovetop simmer pot. Orange peel + cinnamon = instant warm vibes.
Don’t worry if things don’t match. Mismatched = character.
Try a DIY food moment. Baked potato bar? Build-your-own sundaes? Always a hit.
Keep one fun game or deck of cards handy. For those who want to linger.
Shrimp Alfredo (From the Dishwasher’s Corner)
This is the first “real” dish I ever learned—while washing dishes and secretly watching the line cook make it every night. No recipe, just rhythm. I started making it myself in my first apartment, and I’ve never stopped. It’s simple, creamy, and full of flavor from just a few ingredients. Let the quality of your cream and your seasoning do the heavy lifting.
Serves 2–3
Ingredients:
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 tbsp butter
1¼ cups 35% cream (whipping cream)
1 cup cooked baby shrimp (cold water or salad shrimp work great)
250g fettuccine (fresh or dry)
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped(dried is also fine just add a bit more as the flavour isn’t as strong)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Method:
Cook your pasta in generously salted water—seriously, the water should taste like the sea. No oil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente and set aside ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Sauté the shallots in butter over medium heat until golden and soft, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add shrimp and dill, then stir in your cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if you need to loosen the sauce.
Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste, taste, taste! Serve immediately while it’s silky and hot.
Make It Your Own:
Follow your heart. If you’ve got leftover blanched asparagus, broccoli, or sundried tomatoes in the fridge, toss them in. A little squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten it up beautifully. This dish is forgiving, flexible, and full of soul—just like a good dinner party.
So here’s your sign: invite someone over. Share your table. Laugh. Eat. Make the kind of memories that stick.
And remember—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Do it often and do it now!