How to Plan a Menu for a Dinner Party

The food you serve will be the centerpiece of your dinner party so it is deserving of your greatest attention when planning the event. Remember that the best dinner parties are those where the host or hostess is relaxed and at ease, so save the complicated dishes for another night or, even better, hire a chef to help you create a spectacular menu that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Chef, caterer or party planner
• Paper and pencil

Plan a Dinner Party Menu Your Guests Will Remember

1. Determine how many courses you will be serving during the course of the evening. This decision may be based on the amount of money you wish to spend, the amount of time you have to prepare the dishes or simply the amount of time you want your guests to spend in your home.
2. Start by selecting the main course. This will be the main taste around which you can design the rest of your menu. Typical menus generally revolve around a meat or chicken dish, with a fish or seafood course preceding them depending on the formality of the occasion.
3. Choose one or two side dishes such as a starch and a vegetable to complement your main course. Potato or rice dishes are most commonly served alongside green leafy vegetables or elegantly prepared carrots or seasonal vegetables.
4. Work backwards to determine what your salad course might contain. Remember that this course is meant to whet the appetite and not completely satisfy it, so keep it simple and keep it small.
5. Plan a selection of hors d'oeuvres if you plan on serving cocktails before your dinner party. You should allow one to two pieces of each hors d'oeuvres or finger food for your guests and hosts are generally advised to serve one selection for every six guests.
6. Top off the night with a sensational dessert. Even the most simple of things such as fruit and cheese, when served elegantly and at the peak of their prime, will provide your guests with a truly gourmet experience.
7. Serve coffee and tea at the end of the evening as cue to your guests that the party is winding down.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out what food allergies your guests might have before planning your menu or try to avoid those foods which are the most common troublemakers, such as nuts, seafood and dairy. If you are hosting a large party, you might consider offering alternatives for those guests who will be made ill by some of your menu options.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.