On December 22, 2015

Planning your party menu

Submitted

Keep your party theme and your venue in mind when planning the menu for your next get-together.

MS — Many partygoers admit that they often look forward to foods served during social gatherings. The way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, but the same sentiment can be applied to both male and female guests invited to your next soirée. While it might not be possible to please everyone’s palate, the following are some food factors hosts should keep in mind as they prepare to throw their next party.

Consider your party theme and size. Food choices should fit with the type of event you are hosting. A three-course formal meal probably will not complement an afternoon watching the game with friends, nor would it work well when you’re on a time crunch before seeing a show. Take into consideration the party you will be hosting and make sure the foods you choose work in conjunction with other details of the festivities. Finger foods are ideal when guests are mingling, while a more formal sit-down meal is more appropriate when you want to engage guests in conversation.

Calculate how much food you need. It’s always better to have extra food than a shortfall of it, but it’s best to find the right balance to avoid costly excess and waste. Many caterers offer approximations regarding how many people a tray or platter of food will feed. You can use these estimates as references for the food you will be preparing as well. Keep in mind that serving sizes are only a few ounces for many foods. Guests who are drinking plenty of beverages also may feel less hungry.

Provide a variety of foods. While you can’t offer everyone’s favorite dish, you can vary your offerings so that guests are more likely to find something they will enjoy. Stick to crowd favorite foods and use spices or ethnic offerings sparingly. Offer vegetables, a starch such as rice or potatoes, a lean meat or poultry, and perhaps a seafood dish. Ask guests to let you know if they have any food allergies, making sure to prepare all dishes separately so there is no risk of cross-contamination. Separate offerings when serving as well so guests do not mistakenly use a serving spoon that might be contaminated with something they are allergic to.

Make items in advance. Hosting a party requires hosts to take on several different roles. Hosts don’t want to spend the party serving and preparing dishes in the kitchen while their guests are having fun. Whenever possible, choose dishes that can be prepared and refrigerated or frozen in advance of the party. Such dishes can then be reheated the day of the party, saving you time and making sure you get to spend some quality time with your guests. Store-bought appetizers or side dishes can help you focus on the main courses and free up some extra preparation time.

Know your guests. If your guest list tends to include the same people again and again, you have likely grown accustomed to their culinary preferences. If that’s the case, choose dishes you know will be a hit, which can save you the headache of planning a menu.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Garden inside this winter

December 11, 2024
By Deborah J. Benoit Cold weather has arrived, and you’ve put your garden to bed for the season. That doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Just shift your focus from outdoors to in. Adding foliage plants to your home satisfies your need to be surrounded by green. Easy-to-grow choices that are also tolerant of the low-light…

Caring for amaryllis during the holidays and beyond 

November 27, 2024
By Andrea Knepper, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont Amaryllis bulbs and blooms make popular and appreciated holiday gifts. Gifted in full bloom to brighten the winter months or lovingly tended to bloom after the new year, amaryllis add vibrant color and joy to the dreary season. Amaryllis are commonly available during the winter holidays…

December marks the start of bird-feeding season

November 27, 2024
Winter is the perfect time to observe and learn about Vermont’s bird species. “Winter bird feeding is a great way to observe and learn about our year-round bird residents and winter visitors,” said Jillian Kilborn, Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s bird project leader. Bird feeding tips: The right mix: Black oil sunflower seeds are popular, but…

Seventh Heaven Salon & Boutique reflects on past year, success in Killington

November 13, 2024
By James Kent Hair stylist and manager Katelyn Stewart and owner Peggy Campney moved their thriving hair salon and boutique from Ludlow to Killington last year after the July 2023 floods made it impossible for their business to continue in their current location. When the opportunity presented itself to Stewart and Campney, they exchanged one…