Host Your Own Instant Restaurant

by Jodie Garth (subscribe)

Do you watch My Kitchen Rules and drool over the contestants' cullinary creations? Do you think to yourself 'I could make that'? Well, why not give it a go and create your own 'instant restaurant' a la My Kitchen Rules?

Decide on a theme and plan everything else around that. Name your restaurant, decide what dishes you will serve, and design your menu. Consider the decor for your restaurant - table decorations, wall hangings, lighting, background music and so on. This can be as simple or extravagant as your imagination and budget will allow. A nice table cloth with a vase of flowers as the centrepiece or some candles may suffice, or you can go all out with handmade placecards for each guest and napkins folded origami-style. You may wish to visit op shops/Savers or party shops for ideas or to purchase props and decorations.

Think about the space you have available. If your dining room is not large enough for the number of guests you would like to invite (this number is up to you), perhaps a patio, backyard or garage could be suitably transformed. An alternative if you are struggling for space may be to host your dinner at a friend's place if you know someone with a more appropriate dining area who would offer it up for the night in return for a free feed. Just be sure to leave it immaculate at the end of the night.

Have you seen recipes you would like to try your hand at making but feel they are too fancy to make just for your family dinners? Here's an opportunity to experiment and attempt those exotic recipes in your books that usually get overlooked. Or, if you're not confident in experimenting, bring out your old favourites. The main thing is that the food looks and tastes good and, of course, that you and your friends enjoy a night sharing a meal together. If you have a dish in mind but don't have the recipe, check out the numerous online recipe sites, or you might be inspired by the recipes on the My Kitchen Rules or Masterchef websites.

Enlist a friend or family member to be your co-chef and away you go. Watch and learn from the MKR contestants and be prepared and organised. You do not have the time restrictions that are placed on them, so do as much of your shopping and decorating as you can before the day of your dinner. Some elements of your meal may also be able to be prepared in advance, such as a cold dessert or marinating meat overnight.

Have fun. Impress your friends and treat them to a great night in.

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Why? Because your kitchen rules

Cost: It's up to you

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