How to Host For Large Numbers

Cold beers are the easiest thing to serve large numbers as they don’t require a glass and guests can self-serve. Load up on Coronas and lime wedges and leave a bottle opener next to the ice bucket and you’re done for the night. Guests can also stick their bring-a-bottle in the ice if they want.

Cocktails are fun and making them is a good ice-breaker for guests. We like picking a ‘house cocktail’ for the night, prepping loads of it and then guests can self-serve or mix their own. Margaritas and negronis are easy to mix in advance and pour over ice (although make sure serving sizes are recommended to prevent guests overdoing it be accident…). You can leave jugs of mixed drinks out next to ice buckets and glasses or even use one of those glass urns with a tap. We like leaving a plate of garnish out too, like tajín for rolling the edge of the glass in and citrus slices.

People do like food to soak up the drinks, but you don’t have to provide a huge sit-down meal. Leave platters of canapés and chic little bowls of food around for people to help themselves. Some of our favourite (budget-conscious) options are Spanish-inspired, including slices of manchego with membrillo on top, gildas, posh crisps with jamon on top. Pinxtos-style things on little pieces of bread is another great one, and little coupes of olives dotted around is chic and easy.

Create an informal spread if you’re serving food, create a beautiful grab-and-go pile of plates and baskets of cutlery for people to help themselves. (Mixed plate designs is fine! Don’t sweat it.) If you don’t have enough plates, get some paper or bamboo ones!