When it comes to throwing the perfect dinner party, you need to have a strong checklist that’ll allow you to plan and arrange everything. This includes your guest headcount, décor, entertainment options that you need to plan ahead. However, the biggest thing on your checklist is the menu. After all, you can’t have a dinner party without a delicious dinner!
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So, how do you plan the perfect menu for your party? Here’s what you should do.
Consider Dietary Restrictions
Before starting off with your menu creation, ask your guests about any food allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. Doing so will ensure that you don’t end up serving something that they can’t eat.
Asking them prior to planning your menu will also save you from having to reevaluate it later or having to start from scratch. For instance, if you’re planning on serving strawberry shortcake ice-cream bars for dessert and find out that one of your guests is allergic to strawberries, you can make alternative arrangements for them or pick another dessert item before actually buying all the ingredients or making the preparations.
Keep It Simple
If you’re handling all the cooking and meal preparation by yourself, then it’s best to keep the menu simple. Opt for a main dish you’re familiar with and have made previously. Or, if you want to experiment with your food and cook something you haven’t before, choose an easy and familiar dessert and side dishes to go with it.
For your own sake, it’s best to choose only one complicated dish. If one of your dishes requires several hours of preparation, then the other items should be easy-to-cook. This will ensure you’re not slaving in the kitchen all day and have the energy to enjoy with your guests.
Balance Your Meal
You want to add a variety of flavors and textures to your menu to avoid it becoming monotonous. Certain ingredients, such as lemons and cheese can amplify several dishes. However, if all three of your dishes are loaded with Mozzarella or are acidic, then that’s going to create an imbalance.
Similarly, don’t overdo on adding variety. If one of the dishes has a particularly bold flavor, then keep the others more traditional. At the end of the day, you want your guests to enjoy their food, and that won’t happen if the dishes don’t complement each other. Strive for balance and pick dishes that go well together and aren’t too similar.
Ready to host a dinner party? Don’t forget to check out our online food blog for main courses, side dishes, and desserts! Asparagus goat cheese tart recipe, Nicaraguan Gallo pinto, truckstop enchiladas, sweet and sour braised red cabbage; we’ve got plenty of ideas for your menu!
