The Holidays Are Coming! Try These Easy Party Planning Menu Ideas

As holiday seasons approach many of us turn our thoughts to gathering together with family and friends to celebrate. It's great fun, but often lots of work. By the end of the holidays do you wish for another holiday just to rest and recoup? I know I used to.

I have banished the process of preparing complex party menus forever! I have a simple menu formula that you can use over and over to the delight of your guests and to save your sanity. Use it and you'll enjoy your parties as much as your guests do!

You can use this formula and be guaranteed of enjoying your own party and giving your guests a fun and memorable holiday gathering.

Here is your fool proof party planning menu formula:

Welcoming beverage
Appetizer or hors d'oeuvres
Salad
Entrée
Dessert
After dinner

Party Planning Rules:

Never plan more than two items that require preparing a recipe.
Never plan more than one item that requires complete preparation on the day of the party. Ideally this will be just final assembly of a recipe.
Any preparation on the day of the party should be simple and quick.
Ideally, all preparation can be completed the day before the party.
If I'm having more than 8-10 guests I limit my recipe preparation to one.

Here's how to use the formula:

Welcoming beverage - it should be festive and no more than two ingredients you can easily mix and pour.

Cold Duck, sparkling wine, or Champagne
Apple juice and soda - mock Champagne
Any light fruit juice
A glass of wine
Dry sherry

Appetizer or hors d'oeuvres - One is enough and definitely no more than two and only one recipe. Any choice should require no more than plating on the day of the party.

Nuts
A special, tasty cheese and cracker (one of each)
Olives or pickled vegetables
Pre-cooked chilled shrimp and cocktail sauce
Hummus and pita

Salad - A simple salad of mixed greens and a tasty dressing and one or two add-ins like nuts, toasted seeds, and a crumbled blue or feta cheese. (The greens can be purchased ready to serve in a bag, but I recommend washing before eating)

Clean the greens the day before and put them in the refrigerator to dry and crisp.

Entrée - My favorite entrées are for casual dining and are in one dish and include a protein, starch and vegetables - all in one. Choose one that can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight or frozen and cooked for serving on the day of the party. Here are just a few ideas:

Hearty soups or chowder
Lasagna
Tasty casseroles - there are a zillion ideas for these.
Chili
Hearty salad with protein, greens, rice, fruit, and a savory dressing
Pot roast with roasted vegetables

Purchase a yummy bread from a good bakery for a nice accompaniment to most of these.

Dessert- Make or buy, but make it simple and delicious! If you make the dessert be sure it is one that you can make ahead and serve the day of the party. These are simple and good.

Ice cream and any sauce and toppings is a sure winner
Dried fruits and good chocolate candies
Fresh strawberries and powdered sugar
Whole fresh fruit with slices of brie or cheddar cheese
Hot chocolate with short bread cookies

After dinner- To entice your guests to stay and chat serve coffee, hot tea, or after dinner drinks. Simple plates of good chocolate candy and bowls of mixed nuts set around your gathering area will keep the conversation going and your guests munching.

Bottom line... Your party planning menu goal is to leave you as free as possible to enjoy your guests and the dinner.

The possibilities are endless for simple, delicious, and satisfying party planning menus. If you choose good and affordable ingredient they can be extremely economical too. Plan your party menu and plan to enjoy!

E. Ann Hill is a successful party planning expert and hospitality professional with many years of personal and professional party and event planning experience.

She loves to entertain and wants to share the easy and challenging lessons she has learned with eager novice and seasoned hosts. Her goal is to instill the #1 objective for entertaining - the host should enjoy planning the party and the party itself as much as his or her guests.

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