Photo Credit- Cheryll Gillespie
Ready for Anything Nov 18, 2003
You have just settled in for a cozy evening curled up with a good book when the doorbell rings. 
Who could be calling? You weren't expecting anyone. As you peer through the peephole you see "the gang." They just happen to have been driving by and decided to drop in for a surprise visit.
Or perhaps it happens this way. It's a busy Thursday afternoon and you are just about to leave the house to pick up the kids from school when the phone rings. Out-of-town friends tell you that they are just "20 minutes down the road' and they're staying for the weekend - if it's alright, of course. Now, do you panic, or are your ready for anything? This is the time of year when anything could happen, so - as the Boy Scouts say - always be prepared. Plan to spend a few hours preparing the guest room and getting your kitchen ready to entertain, even at the last minute. 
A good host and friend is always ready. She never stresses over unexpected company. In fact, she revels in her guests' spontaneity and greets them graciously, embarking on an evening of food, wine and friendship. Before the holiday season descends upon us, fill your pantry with party favours and stock the bar. When unexpected company arrives you will be able to cherish the time spent together instead of scrambling about getting the room ready, or apologizing that the cupboards are bare and you have nothing to serve your guests. Through the course of a busy year the guest room can often become the place to stash everything that has yet to get a place of its own. Nobody sleeps well in a room that has been the depot for last year's cast-offs, so it's time for some clutter therapy.
Plan to spend as much time as needed organizing and properly storing all the excess items that have accumulated in the guest room. Hopefully it doesn't take too long to find the bed. When you have found the bed, dress it in a set of cozy winter sheets - try flannel to give your guests the ultimate in cozy comfort. Special guests deserve five-star treatment. Place a basket full of travel size French milled soaps, shampoo, body lotion, bath salts and other toiletries on the nightstand next to the bed. Be sure to tie a large holiday ribbon with a candy cane on the basket's handle. Stack and fold towels and face cloths and secure them in a bundle with a matching ribbon to leave beside the basket. I also like to leave a few of my magazines or a couple of good books in the room - something to read if anyone is having trouble sleeping. Your guests will truly feel welcome and appreciated. Be careful though - they may not want to leave! Next stop, the kitchen. During the holidays, there will be a lot of "chefs" in the kitchen. Make cooking with the gang effortless by organizing cupboards and setting up workstations. A few hours spent organizing cupboards and pantries can make holiday cooking a lot more fun. Every great hostess is prepared for unexpected gatherings; she always keeps her pantry and bar stocked with "survival supplies." Prepare for those unexpected guests by keeping supplies on hand to make special coffees, mulled wine or a signature cocktail.
A signature or house drink helps to keep your supply list simple. A can of whipping cream (usually has a fridge life of about a month), a bottle of peppermint schnapps and a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a box of candy cane for garnish and some grated white chocolate (buy the chocolate pre-grated for minimal prep) makes a splendid winter coffee. 
If you prefer to serve a cocktail, try a mint-tini: equal parts peppermint schnapps, Kahlua and cream shaken over ice, served in a martini glass (you can dip a moistened rim of the glass into finely crushed candy canes or peppermint candy) and garnish with an Ovation mint chocolate stick.
Alternatively, you may want to prepare some mulled wine. When guests arrive you can simply heat a pot on the stove or a glass or two in the microwave. Your favorite wine store will sell mulled wine spices - all you need do is simmer the wine and spices together for a few hours, then store it in the fridge as a party-ready potion that will smell as great as it tastes. (Mulled wine simmering on a stove is one of the best aromatherapy scents for a home.) By planning a couple of signature or house specialties you can ensure that you are fashionably ready and fearless with respect to entertaining. In the pantry keep a few boxes of decadent bread sticks - they are perfect for scooping up delicious dips and spreads. Serve them vertically in a decorative vase for some height on a serving tray.
Check out the gourmet section of your grocery store for some great jarred spreads, crackers and elegant looking foods that store in the pantry. In the freezer keep a French baguette - simply sliced it can be served with Brie and a tasty olive oil dip.
Always keep a block or two of a good cheese in the fridge - not your basic grocery store cheddar or mozzarella. Instead, try Brie or Gruyere, serving the cheese in a block (never cube or pre-slice your cheese) on a plate with a smattering of fancy crackers and a tiny bowl of fresh olives or sun dried tomatoes (the ones soaked in olive oil are best). A jar of spiced nuts is also a wonderful addition to the tray. If you haven't had time to clean and dust the house, simply dim the lights and light the candles. Under the sexy glow of candlelight no one will notice the less-than-perfect housekeeping. A diva knows that she must always be ready for a good party, good friends and good food. With the pantry stocked and the guest room ready, you'll look forward to last minute entertaining and holiday surprises.
Cheryll Gillespie
12812 52 Street
Edmonton, AB.
T5A 0B6
Phone 780-428-4663
Fax 780-473-5013
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