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FIRST THINGS FIRST
When party planning there are a few things to consider when
making
decisions on your menu.
No matter the event, large or small, consider how each of the following
might effect your party menu planning choices.
The People
 Who are they?
Are they stuck on simple home cooking or are they accustomed to fresh
and
dramatic gourmet cuisine? If they are your regular crowd,
they may expect your "house specialty".
If they are open to
experimentation you will probably choose something new and different
each time you entertain this adventurous group.
Make sure to check if anyone has allergies or is a strict vegetarian or
vegan.
You may want to prepare appropriate dishes or just plan to do that
anyway.
The Purpose
Is the party a
baby shower
luncheon for your best friend?
Then you might serve all "baby" foods like baby greens, baby
artichokes, baby back
ribs---you get the idea. An adult pajama party or a
bachelorette party may be the time for "sexy" foods like
oysters on the half
shell, avocado
and lobster salad and dark
chocolate mousse.
A dinner
party
for you or your husbands' new boss may require
gourmet delicacies and stylish presentation.
The Place
I always think a party in your home or
apartment is cozier and nicer then anywhere else, as long as your
guests are
comfortable. Of course an extra special occasion may call for
an original or unusual location. When planning a party, consider your
kitchen:
-
Number
and size of the cooking burners on your stove
-
Available
counter
and drop space - important
-
Space
for final set-up of dishes BEFORE they get to the buffet
or dinner table
-
Available
mingling room for your guests (which may subtract from your food space)
The
Time
As a rule of thumb, people prefer lighter foods and will eat less at
breakfast,
brunch and lunch then at dinner time.
If you are having a dinner buffet make sure you serve the main course
at a reasonable time to avoid hungry
unruly guests. A late night soiree may be the perfect time for a
cocktail party and to pull put out your
easy
appetizer recipes.
The Budget
When party planning, figure out
how much you can afford and how much you
would like to spend.
Try to land somewhere in the middle of these two numbers.
That way you won't feel like a cheapskate and you also won't feel like
you're breaking the bank.
Of course be aware that when
throwing a party there will be
expenses other than food, such as disposable paper goods, decorations
and rentals.
Don't forget the
alcohol which could be your greatest expense
(depending on the kind of friends you have)
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