How to Plan a Menu for a Debutant Ball

By eHow Parties & Entertaining Editor

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The day a young lady officially makes her debut in society is an occasion marked with a great deal of celebration. One of the events associated with this day is the debutant ball. On such on occasion, a group of the debutant's friends, family and acquaintances get together to enjoy an elegant meal and ballroom dancing in honor of the young woman.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Nonalcoholic drinks
White foods

Plan a Menu for a Debutant Ball

Step1

Opt for a traditional three-course meal, complete with an elegant appetizer of gourmet salad or brioche and shrimp, filet mignon or lobster as an entrée and tiramisu or white chocolate bombe for dessert.

Step2

Choose safe, nonalcoholic drinks such as lemon-lime soda and bottled water. You may want to have one or two bottles of wine available for adult guests, but having a selection of nonalcoholic beverages is great for children and designated drivers.

Step3

Stick with nonmessy foods. When possible, try to put food in shades of white on your menu, like ravioli in Alfredo sauce, to avoid potential mishaps due to spilled food on pristine white dresses.

Step4

Consider having an after-ball light meal or snack. Depending on the time the debutant ball ends, this could even pass as an early breakfast. Don't make the meal too heavy, though, or guests may have difficulty falling asleep soon afterward.

Step5

Ask your caterer to plan elegant touches, such as exquisite dinnerware and sparkling glassware. These little things can help make the entire meal seem more upscale.

Step6

See if your caterer can go the extra mile when planning your menu. Decorative edibles, such as chocolate utensils, can add charm and enchantment to the evening. You can also request the meals be presented in an artistic way on every plate.

Tips & Warnings

Ask for club soda to be put on your menu staff's list. Inexpensive and easy to store, club soda is a great way to get stains out of white debutant ball dresses before they become permanent.
Request a tasting before booking your caterer. Your menu may look good on paper, but it's essential to taste it before you commit.
Before you plan your menu, try to avoid common allergens. You won't be able to plan for every food allergy your guests have, but staying away from things like peanuts, cashews and certain types of shellfish may make the evening more enjoyable for everyone.