Events at home

At home, it’s normal to organise birthday parties, lunches and evening meals with family or friends, and other events too. What all these everyday situations have in common is that in a short period of time we consume a considerable amount of food and drink.

The key when it comes to avoiding leftover food at a party or home gathering is planning what people are going to eat during the event.

With good planning and by applying some very simple tips, you will reduce the amount of food you throw away when your home event is over.

Before the celebration

  • Estimate the amount of food that will be consumed. Think of the number of guests, adjust the portions for children who are coming and adapt the type of food and portions to the type of gathering you have organised.
  • Prepare the food with items that can be frozen. That way you will be able to keep them longer and be sure not to waste the food.
  • Avoid ingredients that go off quickly. Food such as eggs and sauces go bad in a few days.
  • Prepare home-made food. That way you can use the food items you have at home that you haven’t used yet, as well as those you spot nearing their expiry date.

During the celebration

  • Make small portions. That way you make sure the guests can repeat and only fill their plate with what they will eat.
  • Avoid seasoning the main dish. It’s better if each guest seasons what has been served on their plate. The leftovers from the main dish will stay fresh and be reusable for a few more days.
  • Serve the right portions. Share out the right-sized portions to each guest and suggest they have a second one if they want more. Don’t throw out anything not finished.

After the celebration

  • Share the leftover food among the guests. Share out any food that has not been eaten so it can be used for another meal.
  • Accept leftover food. As guests, accept the leftover food that the party host offers you.
  • Save what is left. Store any food left at home properly in your fridge, freezer or pantry. Use airtight containers or wrapping to prevent food from going bad.