Stress-Free Party Planning
Hosting a fabulous gathering for friends or family doesn’t have to be a stressful event. The key is planning and organization. Here’s an easy game plan for a cocktail party or any party where you'll be serving beverages and appetizers.
First, determine how many people you will invite and how long the party will last.
Next, determine how much food you’ll need. As a rule of thumb, you will need three to four bites per person, per hour. For a small gathering, five to eight different appetizers will suffice. Allow for one to two drinks per hour, per guest.
Then plan your menu. Think about making a few “wow” appetizers and then rounding out the menu with some less labor-intensive dishes, such as a good store-bought cheese ball and crackers or a fruit or cheese platter. And remember, you don’t have to make everything from scratch. Take advantage of timesavers from your supermarket, such as sliced baguettes and pre-cut veggies.
You don’t have to have traditional serving platters to present your food attractively. Use your imagination—unusual small plates, decorative trays, cutting boards and baskets can all be used for serving.
Finally, don’t wear yourself out the day of the party; make what you can ahead of time so that you’ll be free to have as much fun as your guests.
|
| |
|
