Menu Planning For Parties
What is a party's 'menu'?
A party's menu are the items you plan on serving your guests. And it can range from hors d'oeuvres, to stationary hors d'oeuvres, which may be just a little light fruit and cheese, to the salads, the entre, the buffet deserts, or depending if your party is a sit-down. But the menu is all the food you decide to serve at the party.
What should I consider when planning the menu for my party?
When planning a menu for your party, consider your guests. Remember, if you're feeding a football team from the high school, they're going to eat a lot different than a group of senior citizens. Always, number one, consider your guests. Number two, consider the time of the party. On a Sunday afternoon a brunch may be appropriate, but on a Sunday evening obviously a brunch isn't going to work.
What should I consider when choosing the beverages for my party?
Consider the guests. It always comes back to "what do you think your guests would like?" I always recommend the specialty drink, but if it's during the day just a little light wine is nice along with some champagne soft beverage. At an evening party you can break out the hard liquor, and feature that specialty drink. Champagne at a wedding is always appropriate. It all depends on your guests. Some parties are non-alcoholic. There are a lot of varieties of beverages available that are non-alcoholic.
When should I serve the food?
I always recommend having something available the moment the guests get in. That's called "The Cocktail Party". Then, you can have the rest of the food available, and gravitate towards your dessert. Other ways is to have the full buffet open and ready to go when people walk in. Regardless, always have something for the guests the moment they walk in.
What is a 'sit-down dinner'?
A sit-down dinner is when there's a seat for all of the guests to sit down at, unlike a cocktail party. And everybody has a specific seat that they're generally seated at. Sometimes the host and hostess will design place cards and place them on the seat that they're assigning the guest.
What is a 'buffet dinner'?
A buffet dinner is where we have the complete meal set out on one the table. It usually starts with the rolls and goes to the salads then to the vegetable. Some type of a starch, and then the entrees and even the dessert sometimes can be placed on the buffet, but my recommendation on the buffet is to separate the dessert on a separate table. It makes it a little nicer so people don't feel that they have to put all of there food on one plate.
How much food should I provide each guest?
Well it depends of the duration of the party. If it's a cocktail party and only lasting an hour, you need six to eight Hors D' Oeuvres per person, minimum. If it's a sit down dinner, well there's going to be usually a salad, the entree, and a dessert; that's going to be enough. However, if it's a buffet, you're going to want to a couple of items for the main course as a choice. Keep in mind the vegetarians. And then also, a couple of salads, some fresh baked rolls, as well as some desserts.
Is it appropriate to serve food if I am throwing a cocktail party?
A true cocktail party is food, and hors d'oeuvres. Always make sure you provide something with the cocktails, and remember: have it available the moment people walk in the door.
What type of menu should I consider for a children's party?
A menu for a children's party is tricky, because first of all you have to know the age group of the children, and once you have that level down, then you can figure it out. You don't want messy foods because messy foods don't do anything for anybody. Little mini peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are always good, as are little macaroni and cheese cups. There's a variety of foods that the parents will be happy with if you're serving the kids. Try to also keep it healthy - carrot sticks, celery sticks. If you're going to have it completely catered, a hotdog wagon is also something to consider. Maybe a little taco cart. Then, if you really want to step it up, then bring in the hot peanuts and bring in the cotton candy, the snow cones. Also, keep budget in mind because it can tend to get expensive when you start to bring in all the vendors.
What type of menu should I consider for a dinner party?
The menu you should serve at a dinner party is, when the guests arrive, have something available for them to snack on. Then, once all the guests are seated, have an appetizer. Have a salad or a soup, provide an entree, and then a lovely dessert.
What is a 'toast' at a party?
A 'toast' for a party is the announcement to the guests, or sometimes congratulating someone at the party. Also, a toast could be as simple as welcoming the guests to the party.
Is it appropriate for me to propose a toast at my own party?
Whether you should serve a toast at a party is going to be completely up to you. Traditionally speaking, at weddings and anniversaries, a toast is appropriate, but a toast is a really nice additive to any party.
Is it appropriate for me to offer a toast when I am a guest?
If the host invites you, and asks any of the guests, "Who would like to join in on a toast with us? Who'd like to say something?", then it is appropriate. Otherwise, generally the host will decide who they have chosen to make some special words on that special day.
What are some tips for conducting the perfect toast?
In tips for conducting the perfect toast: make it sincere, sweet, and most of all, short.
What is a 'potluck' dinner?
A potluck dinner is when the guests bring their own food. Now, typically speaking, the host of the party generally will prepare the main entrée and guest has to bring side dishes. I always recommend finding out from the guests what exactly their bringing and whether or not their bringing it on a tray that can be placed right out on the buffet. And please limit the number of people who need to heat or use your oven at the party.
What should I consider when deciding whether to have a potluck dinner?
When having a potluck dinner, sometimes it has to do with the budget and sometimes it has to do with community spirit. Getting everybody together to bring their favorite item is what it's all about. People are very proud to bring a dish to the party. Just make sure that everybody knows who brought one dish. Sometimes having cards in advance and sitting next to whoever brought the dish is really special for that person, because they can walk around and boast about what they made. Makes for a fun party.
