Planning a party menu doesn't have to be painful. Whether you are designing a menu for an elegant dinner party, an intimate celebration or a large birthday bash for a child, it is easy to create customized meal and appetizer options that are sure to please all palettes. Prior to planning the menu, consider any allergies or dietary restrictions that party-goers may have; you want to ensure that all revelers will be able to eat while at the party.
Consider the specific dietary needs and requirements of your party attendees. If you will have some vegetarians in the crowd, make sure that you have a selection of meatless appetizers and dinner entrees for them to choose from. Be sure to inform people with allergies what is in each dish.
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Plan to provide snacks and appetizers, so that party-goers have something to munch on while waiting for dinner. Your guests' stomachs won't be growling if you run into any last-minute kitchen snafus. Good snacks ideas include bowls of pretzels and nuts. Consider serving a vegetable tray, complete with a dip as well. If you would like to have hot appetizers as well, bacon-wrapped scallops are crowd-pleasers.
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Decide what type of meal you would like to serve. For an afternoon tea party, serve delicate sandwiches such as cucumber and cream cheese, and traditional English pastries. For a brunch soiree, set up an omelette station and provide fresh fruit and juice; for the adults, serve orange juice-based mimosas. If you will be hosting an elegant dinner party, give your guests a choice of fish, chicken or beef. Make casseroles ahead of time so that you can simply put them in the oven when guests arrive.
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Host a theme party, such as a Hawaiian luau. Tailor your menu to the theme, such as grilling seafood and pineapple for the luau, and decorate accordingly. Provide appropriate drink and beverages, and ask your guests to arrive in costume.
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Create a finger-foods menu for a children's birthday party. Make easy-to-eat treats for kids on the go, and save yourself time in the kitchen. Set up a table of healthy snacks, such as fruit and a variety of cheese and crackers. Serve mini grilled cheese sandwiches and pizza bites. For dessert, set up an ice cream sundae station, or serve frozen chocolate-dipped bananas on sticks.
