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.
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Published by Walk-Away A Winner Publisher, Orlando, Florida.