Quick And Easy Party Food Ideas
What would a party be without delicious food and beverages? Party food should be easy to prepare, cut after party clean-up's by half and beat any tight budget. Expensive or fancy foods do not necessarily mean tastier. Parties are fun events so let your imagination run wild with party food ideas and combinations.
What's on the menu?
How successful your menu and party overall will be is highly dependant upon your own creativity and efforts. Call in the help of friends or family to assist you with brainstorming fresh and fun ideas. Plan your party according to your chosen theme. Mixing and matching food, drinks, decorations and lighting will give it a funky and relaxed theme. Good example of a party theme is Summer in Mexico. Decorate the venue in orange, reds and yellow. Use these colours in your food choices as well such as red tomatoes, yellow peppers, oranges, nectarines and of course the most important ingredients spices, curries and chillies. Keep in mind some healthy menu choices such as fresh fruit and vegetables as well as speciality foods for diabetics, known allergy sufferers and dieters. It is impossible to cater to every guests' taste but you will at least cover some general basis.
Timing is everything.
When planning your menu give due consideration to the time you have before the party to prepare food to ensure that it's served at perfect temperatures as well as durations between arrival and appetizers or courses. Think and plan ahead. Do as much as you possibly can in terms of cutting, chopping, baking and icing the night before. Dips and spreads can be made approximately 2 days before party or ready made can be bought at your local supermarket. Appetisers can be made and frozen a week in advance. However not all foods freeze well and will discolour and taste just plain awful upon service. If you see time is limited, cut out courses that will make the party long and boring. For goodness sake it's a party not a formal dinner.
Party size.
Keep in mind the number of guests attending the party. You don't want to skimp on the amount food or beverage available to guests. Formal invitations to even relaxed and laid back parties are recommended to ensure you cater generously. Rather too much than too little. Mention that the guest should RSVP on or before a specified date.
Indoors or Outdoor.
During menu compilation keep in mind whether the party is being held outside or inside. It's much more difficult to keep food fresh and covered from inspects outside than inside. If it's easily spoilt food, call in the assistance of ice vendors. Beautiful ice sculptures can serve both as decorations and cooling method for food. The best choice in outside party food will be a barbeque. Different meat cuts, ribs, burgers or even fish can be grilled and served to guests with delicate salads or breads in terms of formal events.
Sit down or stand up?
Sit down and stand up parties differ like day and night. Meals requiring tons of crockery, china and plates should be totally avoided if you planning a stand up party such as a cocktail party. Finger foods are a super recommendation for these parties. These bite size, flavour filled snacks are easy to hold and eat. Whether you are planning to serve dinner or not, finger food can be served as appetizers. The general guidelines are 6 appetizers per person for cocktails parties and 10 appetizers per guest where no dinner is served. Examples of stand up parties foods in the form of cocktail parties are Chicken Wings, Chesses, Salty or Sweet Tartlets, Sandwiches and spring rolls. Also offer a variety of dips as some of the foods maybe dry and dull without that hint of mayo or sauce.
Leave the knives and forks for sit down menu's with formal food themes ruling the menu. Examples of party food for sit down parties are Soup, Dessert, Salads and Entrees.
Serve a matching wines with either your standing or sitting menu food selection.
Unique Treats - Consider hiring mini party machines such as snow cone or popcorn makers. Chocolate fountain are extremely popular as their are beautiful decorations at weddings, engagements parties or even birthday parties as well as being fun for guests to create their own sweet treats with fruits, cakes and marshmallows. Separate fountains can be setup for guests who prefer dark, white or other speciality chocolates.
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