How to Plan the Perfect Party Food
- 1). Know your options. Your party venue may limit your food options. Make sure that your venue has the facilities necessary to prepare and serve whatever food you select. If there is not refrigeration available, stay away from mayonnaise-heavy dishes. If you don't have an oven, don't plan on baking some puff pastries.
- 2). Make food a budgetary priority. Superior food can be pricey. If you want an impressive menu, you may have to allocate a high percentage of your budget to purchasing food. As you plan your party budget, determine how important food is and set aside as much money as you can to buy the best ingredients.
- 3). Follow the theme. Don't serve a heavy stew at your luau party, or a tropical fruit salad at your winter wonderland celebration. Selecting food that compliments your theme will create continuity and enhance your guests' opinions of the food and the party as a whole.
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Stick to finger foods. If you want your guests to mix and mingle instead of lingering behind tables, provide finger foods they can enjoy while circulating throughout the party. - 5). Try something new. Your guests will be more impressed by something distinctive and original than they will be by a tired dish. Trade pigs in a blanket for a bacon-wrapped water chestnut or another epicurean delight.
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Stay seasonal. While you may be able to get watermelon in the winter, it won't be as succulent as it would be in the summer. Use seasonal fruits and veggies in your dishes as these will likely be of higher quality than the off-season options. - 7). Consider guest allergies. If your know that your Aunt Flo is allergic to peanuts, it is best to avoid any dishes containing this allergen to ensure that she does not accidentally come into contact with the offending food. Most allergic individuals are diligent in avoiding reaction-producing foods, but be sure to notify them if there are potential problems at the party. Also ask if guests are vegetarian or vegan so you can be sure to have foods they can enjoy.
- 8). Decorate your plate. Careful presentation can transform a simple dish into an extraordinary meal. Use flowers, herbs and sauces to give your plates a distinctive look and make your food as pleasing to the eye as it is to the pallet
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