Maybe you like to entertain guests, maybe you don’t. Either way, inevitably you’ll find yourself with pop-in house guests, friends who were “in the neighborhood” or last minute arrangements that include a stop at your humble abode.

You can be prepared for just these occasions if you put together your own Guest Survival Kit following these simple rules; (1) make sure snack food isn’t messy and doesn’t require cutlery (2) have something savory and sweet to offer, and (3) have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options on hand.

1. (1)Cheese and crackers are great finger foods. I keep a wedge of brie, block of pepper jack, or spreadable goat cheese in the fridge at all times. I also have individual boxes of whole wheat table water crackers. Be careful because crackers stale easily so buy packages with individually wrapped sleeves of crackers. Tortilla chips and salsa are also good snacks to have on hand.
   

2. (2)Mixed nuts are the perfect option for small impromptu house gatherings. They make a great snaking food, you can buy them in bulk, and they can be served in your most beautiful bowl or dish.  I choose almonds due to their super nutritional properties.  Additionally, it’s always nice to have something sweet to go with all the salty fare you offer. Why not keep a box of dark chocolates on hand to sweeten out your selection.  Fruit is also a great sweet option - try apples, grapes, berries, or small citrus fruit like clementines for the health conscious house guest. Dried fruit is also a good option and it has a long shelf life. Try dried cranberries or apricots.
   

3. (3)Now that your menu is under control, your guests will want to wet their whistle. I always have some brut sparkling wine chilled and ready to go, and few bottles of red that I pick up when they’re on sale. But if you’ve got guests who don’t indulge, have some sparkling non-alcoholic juices. My favs are blueberry and pomegranate. I also have filtered water in the fridge as another refreshing option. Crank it up a notch by slicing citrus or cucumbers to flavor and garnish your water glasses. 
   

Additionally, you don’t want to be working away in the kitchen while your guests are in the other room.  Keep it simple so you can sit down and relax. To keep it simple offer limited options, like only 1 cheese, not a fleet. And don’t mess with the oven if you don’t have to. Moreover, serving your snacks all on one platter also helps with parsimony.  Why not purchase a large slate tile, sold at hardware stories everywhere. They’re inexpensive and double as a great serving tray.  You can even write on it with chalk to indicate what each selection is (i.e. Light Dill Havarti Cheese). You’ll also need a small cheese knife, some cocktail napkins, and great background mood music like Mark Farina’s Mushroom Jazz Collection.

Lastly, if things seem dull, board games are often great activities enjoyed by all.  I love Taboo, Catch Phrase, Scattegories, Cranium, and Scrabble. They’re good for lulls in the conversation and are great at helping groups of people get to know each other. Keep them accessible, in a coffee table, or storage ottoman. So now you’ve got the snacks, the drinks, and the activities to entertain even the most discriminating guest! Be the host with the most at your next gathering!