How to Host an Oktoberfest Party

Originally the celebration of a royal marriage, Oktoberfest has gone far beyond the bounds of its native Germany. As the air turns crisp and the leaves change, thousands of Oktoberfest parties, both large and small, are held around the world. These steps will show you how to bring this jolly, Bavarian tradition into your own home. Oktoberfest is about a lively atmosphere, the gathering of friends and good food. Be prepared to delight your guests with a tradition that is sure to make a comeback year after year.

Instructions

1. The traditional colors of Bavaria, the region where the original Oktoberfest is hosted, are white and cobalt blue. Use these colors in streamers, balloons or tableware to help create an authentic ambiance. Long trestle tables with benches for your guests will help bring in the feel of German beer houses. Ask your guests to arrive in traditional German dress, which are lederhosen for the men and dirndl for the women.

2. The menu for Oktoberfest brings together some of the most popular German dishes. Provide traditional sausages like knockwurst, bratwurst and bierwurst. These can generally be found in the ethnic section of your local grocery store. Serve the sausages with a variety of mustard and don't forget the sauerkraut. If your party is more formal, consider dishes like Beef Roulade and Bavarian Potato Salad. Rye bread and soft pretzels are common accompaniments. Apple Strudel and Black Forest Cake are both traditional and popular desserts.

3. One of the most important elements of any Oktoberfest party is beer, specifically German beer. There are currently over 100 brands of German beer imported into the United States. Some of the more common brands can be found in your local grocery store while others can be located at an imported liquor store. Serve your drinks in beer steins for a truly authentic experience.

4. If hiring a Bavarian oom-pah band is not in the budget, get a CD that combines polka with traditional German songs. There are many compilations available that are specifically for Oktoberfest parties. Play the music loud enough to make your party festive, but not so loud as to drown out conversation.

5. At some point in the evening, everyone should raise their beer steins and give the traditional toast "Ein Prosit," which is German for "to your health." At some party supply companies, you can buy flashing "ein prosit" buttons to distribute to your guests to remind them to keep toasting and drinking.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Top 20 Oktoberfest recipes
• The Music of Oktoberfest