How to Organize a Casual and Inexpensive 7 Course Dinner Party
Throwing a dinner party is stressful enough but when you've got to think about seven separate courses, it can feel utterly impossible. Although it may seem like a huge task, a seven course dinner party is doable for any host -- the key is to make it simple and just have fun. Don't over-think each course and don't be afraid to ask for help from your guests. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Establish a loose theme for the night before you plan the menu, this will help you stay focused through seven courses. For example, throw a Latin night, with Latin finger foods, music and cocktails like mojitos and sangria. Once this is done, you can send out invitations to guests (keep it under six) about two weeks in advance. Don't waste money on paper invitations -- just send a quick e-vite that your guests can respond to electronically.
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Plan your menu. To make things easier for you and fun for your guests, plan a menu with a variety of small finger-food dishes that are easy to make and allow your guests to experience a variety of tastes without getting too stuffed.
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Use a specialty cocktail as one of your courses. Prepare two pitchers of your chosen cocktail and store in the fridge so you won't have to mix drinks all night. Keep some ice on the side. This is a great way to start the evening and prepare your guests for the fun ahead.
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Make a grocery list and shop two nights before your party. This will allow you time to clean your kitchen, organize your fridge and give you some breathing room as well.
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Examine your cutlery, dishes, serving plates and napkins the night before the party. Make sure you have enough clean glasses for the cocktails and water. Take this time to prepare any food that can sit in the fridge over night. Having this done the night before will relieve some stress the day of your event.
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The day of your dinner party, begin by setting the table and putting up any decorations -- but keep them minimal. Depending on what you're preparing, start cooking so you will be done at least an hour before your guests arrive. Leave all hot food covered in the oven at a low temperature so you won't have to worry about cooking and entertaining at the same time.
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Start the party by serving up a cocktail as your first course. When your guests arrive, you should have all the food prepared and ready to be served. Allow your guests to sit at the table and, after the first cocktail is finished, lay out the second course on a serving plate that can be passed around. Repeat for each course.
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Tips & Warnings
Finish with a dessert course that's easy and delicious. Try individual-size strawberry shortcake, Irish coffee and cookies or even cupcakes.
Don't make this the time to show off your master culinary skills. A seven course dinner party requires dividing your attention seven ways -- don't let your other courses suffer by focusing on one complicated dish.
Don't invite more people than you can handle feeding or have room for.
References
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