- Making your food appealing to the eye with bright colors will make your menu memorable to the guests.Buffet image by Silvia Bogdanski from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
When you plan a party there is a lot going on and a lot to think about. From decorations to music to activities to theme, you'll have a full plate. But filling your actual plate and the plates of your guests should be a priority too. Take some time to plan the menu you'll serve at your party if you want to give your guests something to talk about long after they leave. Chips and dip and bottles of soda may not be enough to make your party as special as it could be. - Consider presentation when you prepare the menu for your party. It doesn't matter if it's a formal dinner party or a gathering of friends watching the Super Bowl, people tend to eat with their eyes before they ever taste your food. Use colorful fruits and veggies and bright sauces and other visually appealing snacks that will make the serving table appealing. A table full of white foods will not be nearly as attractive as one that has lots of contrast and impossible-to-ignore dish presentations.
- In addition to packing your menu with colorful foods, think about texture and taste as well. You do not want to serve bold-flavored appetizers just before a mild-flavored main course, and you shouldn't have a whole spread consisting of nothing but crunchy snacks. Alternate flavor and texture to do your menu items justice and add enjoyment for your guests, according to the Gourmet Food Revolution website.
- An important consideration when planning a party menu is availability. Go to your local stores and see the types of produce, meats and more that they currently have in stock. Some seasonal items, particularly when it comes to fruit and vegetables, are not always available everywhere. Have a good feel for what you can get your hands on before you design a nicely balanced menu for your party. Otherwise, when you realize those mangoes aren't around it may mess up everything.
- Setting up a buffet-style food line as opposed to serving courses individually may be a good idea to ponder. This allows for you, as the host, to get everything set and then enjoy the meal with all of your guests. If everyone is making his or her own plates, then you do not have to deal with the task on your own. The buffet style is very suitable for menus that include themed meals such as a pizza, Asian foods, potatoes, pasta and Mexican food. Allowing the guests to freely build their own tacos, plate their own noodles and sauce combinations or dress a giant baked potato will give them something to do and will guarantee they are only eating what they like. Remember to use chafing dishes and ice bins for the items that need to stay hot or cold. Use as many room-temperature foods as possible to cut down on this need.
- If the occasion calls for it, serve colorful and interesting cocktails. Cocktails are a great way to break the ice at a party and get people mingling and talking. Don't try to serve a full bar, just pick out a couple of appropriate fancy drinks and a couple of simple on-the-rocks-style drinks for those who don't want the fancy stuff and make sure you can do them well.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
