Party Menu
When planning a party menu you need to decide if you are going to hire a caterer or do it yourself. There are certain things to consider before making that decision.
Self-Prepare or cater?How good are you at cooking and baking? How much time do you have to make required items? Choosing a caterer can relieve you of the burden and stress of trying to entertain and prepare a meal at the same time.
Be kind to yourself!If the decision is made to prepare the food yourself then items should be chosen that can be easily and quickly prepared. Choosing simple menu items that can be prepared in advance is an excellent plan. Using the best ingredients available, it will be possible to serve something that is spectacular while easy to prepare and serve.
Think Money. It is not necessary to serve expensive food to impress one's guests. Having a price range and sticking to it will keep your budget from getting out of hand. Of course, the amount prepared will depend on the number of guests.
People vs Food.The number of guests to be served will determine the type of food provided at any event. If there is a huge number, such as 100, it would take a long time to serve them and hot food could quickly get cold. Choose foods that can be served quickly and efficiently.
Caterer's menu.With a caterer, it is important to ask for a sample menu to determine if the items offered fit expectations. These can include such things as color, texture, taste, and general appeal. At that time a decision can be made if this is what you wish to serve your guests.
Seasonal Dishes.Any menu should be planned around the season the party is given. That would assure you that the ingredients used are fresh and full of flavor, which means dishes would be tasty. These are also generally less expensive and add an air of appeal to the dishes served.
Clothes and food.Always dress appropriately for the occasion and have the foods served fit the occasion and theme of the party. If it is a barbeque no one will expect to receive cheesecake, but fried chicken or barbeque may be at the top of their list. Clothing should also follow along the same lines.
Eating comfort.Having food that is easy for the guests to handle is important. If they are sitting down to eat at a table that is one thing, but if they are standing around or sitting in odd places it could be very awkward to try to balance a plate full of food and a beverage at the same time. Be sure there are places for everyone to sit and make arrangements for any spills that children may make can be cleaned up quickly.
Basic Supplies.After determining the number of guests that will be present one can decide how many tables, chairs, cutlery, plates, napkins, and other necessary things are needed. If one does not have enough to accommodate the expected group, a trip to a rental store will provide extra place settings and other items that may be needed. First, however, one should find out if they can be borrowed from friends or family. Everything, including the kitchen equipment, should be in good repair with ample supplies available.
Snacks.Many a dinner party has been ruined because guests arrived a little early and there were a number of snacks sitting around. This is especially true if the dinner is late. The answer is to have a few nibbles and then serve dinner promptly as soon as guests have arrived. It's important not to overdue in this department as many people will fill up on snacks leaving prepared food wasted.
Serving drinks. Having a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options depends, of course, on the occasion. If it calls for this kind serving it is a good idea to have one 'speciality drink' that goes along with the party theme. Unless one is a bartender, having too many choices could cause one to be tied up mixing drinks during the entire party instead of enjoying the occasion.
