How to host a Moroccan dinner party
One way to explore the cuisine of another culture while having fun with friends and family is to host a dinner party. As the host, it will be your responsibility to arrange décor, a menu, music and to decide on the guest list. All of the work does not have to be done by one person, a potluck-style gathering will work too: for a special-theme party, provide your guests with recipes for the dishes they bring. Whichever method you choose, a Moroccan dinner party brings friends together around good food for a memorable experience. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Moroccan recipes
- Invitations
- Craft rhinestones
- Glue
- Large coffee table
- Bright colored linens
- Pillows
- Candles
- Gold-colored cord
- Moroccan music
Instructions
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Planning the Party
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Look through Moroccan recipes to decide on a menu. If you are preparing the entire menu yourself, choose a few hot dishes, but base the menu mainly on cold dishes that can be made in advance.
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Print a basic party invitation for your guests. Include the theme of the party, time and date, directions to the event, contact information and any other details.
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Glue small, bright-colored craft rhinestones to the invitation to give it an exotic Moroccan look. This also shows your valued guests that you care enough to take the time to make a custom invitation.
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Print out recipes for your guests and include them inside the invitations, if planning a potluck-style party.
Setting the Scene
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Set the scene for your party the day of or a day before. Allow yourself enough time to reduce any stress of hosting a party.
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Spread a tablecloth on a low table, such as a coffee table: long lengths of fabric from the sewing store may provide the best range of colors. For an interesting effect, drape a smaller cloth in a contrasting color on top of the tablecloth.
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Place pillows around the table for guests to sit on. Throw pillows in tones of purple, pink, blue and gold work well together.
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Make a centerpiece that will help set the scene. Low arrangements of flowers or candles are a good option as they will not get in the way of conversation across the table.
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Set the table with the appropriate plates, silverware and glasses. Polish the silverware by rubbing the length of it with a soft cloth, avoid getting fingerprints on it afterward.
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Roll each napkin into a cylinder and tie a gold cord around it, place on top of the plate. Cloth napkins in a matching color work best, but the same can be done with a good-quality paper napkin.
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Put on the Moroccan music while guests arrive. Turn the music to a low volume, so it does not drown out the crowd, and put on a continuous loop.
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Prepare the dishes ahead of time, if you are doing the cooking yourself. The cold dishes can be made the day before and the hot ones can be prepared during the day; just heat and serve when it is close to party time.
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Tips & Warnings
Serving food in a traditional tangine or on a polished-brass platter, gives an authentic feel.
If your guests can tolerate it, burn incense to further set the atmosphere.
For an informal party, make appetizers so guests can munch and mingle.
References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
