Are you planning a party? Whether your fête is a casual get-together or a major event, food will always be central to the occasion. Follow these tips for insider information on how to pull it off with ease and style.
Create an Inviting Table
Hosting guests is so much fun when you make the process easy on yourself and have a plan in place. You can do that by selecting easy-to-prepare foods that travel well around your home to create the perfect mingling environment.
Some staples you must include are sharp cheddar cheese, crackers, fruits, crudités, olives, and of course desserts. Choose ingredients that can sit out for a while without spoiling and are easy to refill as time passes.
Sharp cheddar cheese is a great choice at any party and is a staple in a wide variety of cuisines. Put out your best cheese planer so guests can slice their way to cracker and cheese heaven. Incorporate several types of crackers that range from herbaceous to hearty. Try to select different shapes and shades to kick up the visual detail on the table.
Ask about Dietary Concerns
You live in an age where allergies and dietary restrictions are commonplace. Whether it is a personal choice, belief, or part of someone’s biology, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness when you ask if they have any food restrictions in advance of the party.
Being unfamiliar with a particular allergy and how to accommodate it is an opportunity to learn something new instead of feeling frustrated or worried. Simply ask your guests for suggestions on what to purchase or prepare. They are used to these questions and appreciate you taking your time to care. More than likely your guests will be happy to guide you and perhaps they will even bring a special dish to share.
As you are setting out the food, be careful of cross-contamination. Set up a separate table for allergy-friendly food. Place a sign requesting only those with food allergies to visit this table to eliminate possible allergic reactions. Taking time to clearly label the ingredients will help everyone enjoy their time together.
Mind the Details
Once the food is in place, fill in any visual gaps with whole fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes. They will add texture and visual appeal. Incorporate seasonal flowers in fun DIY vases on the food tables, as well. Try to avoid placing overly fragrant flowers near the food. Place them elsewhere around your house instead to add a nice decorative touch and an inviting scent.
Check out this video for a variety of helpful and often forgotten party preparation suggestions you will definitely bring to your party.
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Now that you have a handful of helpful ideas on how to make your party great, it is time to make a guest list. Try to have fun whenever you plan a get-together instead of stressing over the details. Truly, your friends and family will appreciate your efforts, and no one will notice if you forget to set out one dish beforehand. Besides, if you do forget, you will have leftovers!