What do you keep on hand for surprise visitors?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the responses. The situations I’ve encountered are where a neighbor stops by to return an item, pick up their kid who is hanging out at our place, or return misdirected mail, etc. we get to chatting and sometimes it reaches a point where I’d like to say “why don’t you just come in, can I get you something?” But often we don’t have anything decent.

I’m going to get some crackers/cheese and chips to have on hand along with drinks. For some reason I’ve just never really kept much snack food on hand.

[Anonymous]

Depends on who they are. I can cook something wonderful in less time than it takes to make a latte.
- Mini packs of chips, nuts, trail mix, cheese, fruits.
- Frozen packs of Indian snacks.
- Homemade frozen kebabs. Homemade chips and dip.
- Tea, coffee, soda, lassi.

[Anonymous]

There is always some deli, crackers, tea, coffee, wine, beer, nuts. I don’t keep things specifically for surprise guests, but we always have things on hand that we eat ourselves and that I could serve guests for snacks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. The situations I’ve encountered are where a neighbor stops by to return an item, pick up their kid who is hanging out at our place, or return misdirected mail, etc. we get to chatting and sometimes it reaches a point where I’d like to say “why don’t you just come in, can I get you something?” But often we don’t have anything decent.

I’m going to get some crackers/cheese and chips to have on hand along with drinks. For some reason I’ve just never really kept much snack food on hand.

So what do you have on hand op? I am sure there is something that could be used.

[Anonymous]

nice beer and champagne and snacks that you can pop in oven like mini quiche, etc.

[Anonymous]

Phone numbers of all the nearby takeout places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. The situations I’ve encountered are where a neighbor stops by to return an item, pick up their kid who is hanging out at our place, or return misdirected mail, etc. we get to chatting and sometimes it reaches a point where I’d like to say “why don’t you just come in, can I get you something?” But often we don’t have anything decent.

I’m going to get some crackers/cheese and chips to have on hand along with drinks. For some reason I’ve just never really kept much snack food on hand.

Crackers and cheese feel made for this situation. Fwiw I think it's really nice! I'm really fond of many of our neighbors and the pop-in always make us a bit closer.

[Anonymous]

Crackers, cheese, nuts, olives, cornichons, crudite

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do not think about this.

But if a neighbor stopped by right now I would have the following for a mid-afternoon snack:

- some wines
- chilled sparkling water, soda, iced tea
- coffees and teas
- lots of different crackers and chips
- cucumbers, carrots, hummus
- some cheese (pepper jack, provolone)
- cream cheese and pepper jelly, which honestly, is so good
- almonds
- wasabi peas
- I could make chocolate chip cookies (I have some pre made and break and bake dough)
- could cut up a pineapple or slice some apples

Usually I have more fruit, frozen apps, and baked goods or chocolates but we're going to Costco today so we've let the stock slip below normal variety.

OMG -- if I put out a plate of cream cheese with pepper jelly, I would eat it all. Guaranteed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A camera at the door and a deadbolt, lol.

Same...and I hide so they can't see me through the window

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. The situations I’ve encountered are where a neighbor stops by to return an item, pick up their kid who is hanging out at our place, or return misdirected mail, etc. we get to chatting and sometimes it reaches a point where I’d like to say “why don’t you just come in, can I get you something?” But often we don’t have anything decent.

I’m going to get some crackers/cheese and chips to have on hand along with drinks. For some reason I’ve just never really kept much snack food on hand.

This calls for -- at most -- tortilla chips w/ or w/o salsa and a fizzy water. Nothing more.

If I came by to drop off misdirected mail and you whipped up a plate of kebabs or frozen Indian treats, I would never leave. Do you really want that?

[Anonymous]

Don’t ever change DCUM. I imagine the doorbell ringing in your homes and the entire family freezes and everyone looks at each other. These are the same people who post “I have no friends.” To me, impromptu visits are the best because they are no pressure. Have some appetizers in the freezer and be sure the powder room is presentable. Done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. The situations I’ve encountered are where a neighbor stops by to return an item, pick up their kid who is hanging out at our place, or return misdirected mail, etc. we get to chatting and sometimes it reaches a point where I’d like to say “why don’t you just come in, can I get you something?” But often we don’t have anything decent.

I’m going to get some crackers/cheese and chips to have on hand along with drinks. For some reason I’ve just never really kept much snack food on hand.

What?? If I'm dropping off your mail or picking up my kid from your playdate I'm certainly not expecting (or wanting) to stay long enough to sit down for appetizers/chips & salsa/whatever.

[Anonymous]

Hope they like cheap beer and the leftover pizza I’m having

[Anonymous]

Anyone should be able to throw together a quick attractive charcuterie board from odds and ends in your fridge and pantry.