“There should be no rules at your dinner party except for people to eat a lot and enjoy a long night where they feel like they could fall asleep at the dinner table at the end.”
Canadian television personality, cook, actor, model, and author, Antoni Porowski.
THIS year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration has been particularly special with reunions bringing joy and laughter everywhere.
As the host of an open house during Hari Raya, one of the greatest challenges is estimating the amount of food needed.
With invitations extended to family, relatives, friends and colleagues, predicting the exact number of guests is difficult.
Some may arrive alone or with a partner, while others may bring along friends or additional family members.
For my husband and I, ensuring an abundance of food was a top priority.
We anticipated the possibility of running out of dishes and wanted to avoid any embarrassment.
We understand that hosting open houses can be hectic, and sometimes hosts underestimate the quantity of food to prepare.
This is because we honestly cannot accurately anticipate the number of guests who will attend.
As such, we decided to take meticulous steps to prepare for our guests.
Days before the celebration, we placed orders for an array of traditional Hari Raya delicacies from our favourite vendors.
These included ketupat (rice cakes), rendang (spicy meat dish), lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo) and various kuih (sweet snacks).
This complemented the home-cooked meals my mom and I prepared.
Additionally, we stocked up on beverages including fizzy drinks and the infamous Sundrop orange juice to cater to everyone’s preferences.
Despite our careful planning, my husband could not shake off his concerns about food shortages.
To ease his worries, we decided to double our initial food orders.
We also went for a late-night grocery run to purchase extra chicken and meat for my mom and I to prepare additional dishes at home.
This ensured that even if more guests than expected arrived, we would have more than enough to go around.
In the days leading up to Hari Raya, our home buzzed with activity as we embarked on a cooking marathon.
My mom and I worked tirelessly in the kitchen, preparing dishes.
The aromatic scents of spices filled the air as we simmered pots of rendang and grilled skewers of succulent satay.
Meanwhile, my husband took charge of setting up the house, ensuring that every corner was immaculate and welcoming.
He decorated the living room and arranged comfortable seating areas where guests could relax and mingle.
We also ended up renting banquet tables and chairs to set up on the car porch, accommodating guests who preferred to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Finding a rental vendor at the last minute proved quite challenging, but I am immensely grateful to my cousin who helped me get in touch with some contacts.
After reaching out to three rental vendors, the fourth one became our saving grace as he was able to deliver the banquet tables and chairs within a few hours.
As the day of our Hari Raya open house came, our home came alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter.
Guests arrived in droves, their faces adorned with smiles and excitement.
It was heartwarming to see familiar faces and to welcome new acquaintances into our home.
Throughout the day, our dining table remained a focal point, overflowing with an abundance of food and drinks.
Guests helped themselves to servings of their favourite dishes, indulging in the flavours of Hari Raya.
Conversations flowed freely as old friends caught up and new connections were forged.
Despite our initial concerns, there was more than enough food to satisfy everyone’s appetites.
Guests complimented the spread, praising the flavours and authenticity of the dishes.
My husband’s worry had been unfounded, and instead, our Hari Raya celebration was a resounding success.
As the day drew to a close, and the last of our guests bid their farewells, we reflected on the joyous occasion we had shared.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri was not just a celebration of food and festivity but also a time for reconnecting with loved ones and strengthening bonds of friendship and family.
In the end, our Hari Raya open house was more than just a gathering.
It was a testament to the spirit of community and togetherness that defines this auspicious occasion.
As we cleaned up the remnants of the day’s festivities, we felt grateful for the laughter, the love, and the memories that would linger long after the celebrations had ended.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
