How to host the perfect hangover dinner with friends
The morning after a night out, there are actually two types of people: people who disappear under a blanket for the entire Sunday and people who decide that there is only one solution for a hangover, namely eating with . I clearly belong to that second group. friends. A hangover dinner is, in my opinion, the perfect way to wrap up a slightly too fun evening. No complicated dinner, no dress code, and especially no expectations. Everyone comes in a bit hungover, puts on something comfortable, and the only goal of the evening is to eat well and catch up.
This is how you host the perfect hangover dinner with friends.
Don't start too early.
The most important rule: don't plan your hangover dinner for five o'clock in the afternoon. Everyone needs time to wake up, shower, feel somewhat human, and maybe take a nap. Around seven o'clock is therefore perfect. Enough time to recover, but early enough to still get to bed on time afterwards.
Make comfort food.
This is absolutely not the time for a refined five-course dinner. A hangover dinner is all about food that makes you happy right away. Think of pasta with lots of Parmesan cheese, pizzas to share, burgers with fries, a big pan of lasagna, or tacos where everyone can take what they want. If the dish normally sounds fantastic when you come home at four in the morning, it's suitable.
Make sure to have something fresh on the side.
As tempting as it is to only put cheese, bread, and fries on the table, something fresh on the side is secretly very nice. For example, make a simple salad, put fruit on the table, or make a big pitcher of water with lemon and mint. Especially after an evening where water probably wasn't at the top of the priority list, that's not a luxury.
Make it as easy as possible for yourself.
The last thing you want with a hangover is to spend three hours in the kitchen. Although I must admit: it is good distraction. Therefore, choose something that you can mostly prepare in advance or just make in one big dish. You can easily slide a lasagna into the oven, make pasta in one pot, and of course, you can just order pizza. The goal is that you also sit at the table and are not busy cooking and cleaning up all evening.
Comfortable is the dress code.
This might be the best part of a hangover dinner: no one has to make an effort. Sweatpants, oversized sweater, hair up, and done. In fact, I would almost say that someone who comes in fully dressed up hasn't quite understood the vibe. A hangover dinner should be a bit chaotic and comfortable.
SATIN PAJAMAS.
After dinner, no one is going to dance extensively or drink cocktails anymore. Everyone probably wants to lie down. So make sure your living room is ready for the real second part of the evening. Blankets on the couch, lights dimmed, and already picked out a movie or bad reality series.
Extra points if ice cream, chocolate, or chips appear after dinner.
And yes, one cocktail is allowed.
I know this sounds contradictory, but sometimes one cocktail surprisingly works well for the atmosphere. No complicated mixed drinks or shots, but for example, a Mimosa or Aperol Spritz for those who still want it. And for everyone who feels nauseous just at the thought: sparkling water counts too.
Ultimately, a hangover dinner is mainly an excuse to discuss the night before one more time in detail. Who said what, who suddenly disappeared, why are there fifty photos on your phone, and who ended up paying for the Uber?.
In the end, you don't need much more than good food, your friends, and enough stories from the night before.
thank yous.
