How to Choose Party Meals

When throwing a party of any type, it's important to serve a variety of foods for your guests to enjoy. Keep in mind the preferences of your guests when choosing party meals. If you are having a birthday party for a child, for example, serve child-friendly foods. For other types of parties, consider whether your gathering is formal or informal, and whether you are having an afternoon gathering or a dinner party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be creative when choosing party foods for an informal gathering. Bowls of chips, pretzels, and other snacks are appropriate. Trays of simple appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, vegetables, or fruit and dips are also fun and easy to eat while mingling. If you'd like to serve a meal, grill hot dogs and hamburgers, or serve other finger foods, such as chicken wings or sandwiches. If you desire, indicate that the party is potluck and ask people to each bring their favorite party dishes.

2. Try a recipe several times before serving it at a dinner party. Think carefully about your menu, and consider the occasion and how many people you are inviting. Serve a salad or soup first for a more formal dinner party. Your main entree could consist of a simple pasta dish, a tried-and-true chicken or beef dish, or something more unusual, such as quail or bison. Finish with a dessert, either homemade or purchased. Italian cookies from a bakery served with coffee will be just as appreciated as a fancy cake that you make yourself.

3. Consider having a wedding, formal bridal shower, or other fancy occasion catered. Caterers will take care of preparing gourmet foods, serving them, and in many cases, cleaning up, leaving you free to simply enjoy the party. Appropriate foods for a formal gathering include appetizers such as small quiches, pates, and perhaps caviar. The meal itself should be a sit-down affair, and should include salad, soup, pasta, and a main entree. Fancy desserts include fondues and pastries, and should be served with a choice of coffees and teas.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that your party guests have come to see you, so don't worry too much about serving something exotic or unusual, especially at a party at home.

[tnpos]

on 7/16/2009 Trying a recipe before you share it is a really good tip! Nice Article! 5 and rec! P.E.A.C.E