Many people love to cook for their family. And lots of Moms like to cook with their kids to create healthy, fun dishes and snacks. There is no shortage of child-friendly recipes out there. When you have a young family, you become more healthy conscious about your menu choices. It’s easier to keep things simple, so fussy eaters are kept happy too. So when it comes to hosting a dinner party for your adult friends, it can be a challenge to get your head around more grown up cuisine.
There’s no need for plastic dinner mats, bowls, and spoons. And you don’t have to shy away from foods like shellfish! When the kids are in bed, it can be so nice to invite some of your friends over to enjoy some more daring recipes. You might even be able to cook with wine. If you’re out of practice cooking for a grown-up dinner party, don’t panic. It’s easier than you think.
What To Serve
Start with a menu. Lots of the foods that you have in for your young family are just as suitable for your adult friends too. That doesn’t mean you should shy away from a special order of something extra tasty, though. If you check out www.citarella.com/ you’ll find some tantalizing fish and shellfish that could make a very tasty main course. Or why not whip up a special prawn cocktail for a starter?
Most dinner parties are three to four courses. Start with the starter. Fresh fruits are very popular. Melon, strawberries, and kiwi fruits are good choices. A savory tart could be another option. Shrimp or prawn cocktails are still popular foods for a starter as well. Starters are often decoratively presented. You might want to consider the dish they are served on, or the placement of the food on the plate.
Thanks to beglib for the image
The main course usually comes second. This is often an extravagant or gourmet dish, served with sides. Fish is popular, like sea bass. The sauce is what makes or breaks the main course. Choose recipes that are bursting with flavor. Even if you like spicy foods, try to opt for taste over heat. Sides can be served in dishes at the table for your guests to help themselves. These can be simple bowls of vegetables, like carrots and potatoes. Or you might offer a salad bowl if that goes with your dish.
The third course is often a sweet dessert. You might be fond of making ice cream with the kids. Why not share a batch of it with your dinner guests? Tiramisu and other creamy desserts are also popular. You could add fresh fruit garnishes. If you’re feeling particularly brave, why not cook a fruit pie from scratch, or even bake your own cake? Add some custard or cream to the table for a truly sumptuous dish.
Thanks to MaxStraeten for the image
Finally, you might offer coffee liqueurs or a cheese board. The cheese board usually contains a range of cheese. Hard cheeses like mature cheddars are popular. Soft, creamy cheese like Brie is also desirable. Add a blue cheese like these http://www.cheese.com/blue-vein-cheese/. Now you have a good variety. Crackers and red grapes are often served with the cheese too. Leave a cheese knife on the table so your guests can cut their own.
Getting Ready
Now the menu has been selected, it’s time to get the groceries and start cooking. Desserts can often be made earlier in the day to save you cooking that evening. Don’t forget to add a couple of bottles of wine to accompany the meals for your guests. Go through the recipes and check your timings. Write out a little schedule if it helps you prepare. Now all that’s left is to settle the kids for the night and get dressed up.
Thanks to Flickr for the image
When you are dressing up for your own dinner party, don’t forget to wear shoes! Slippers or bare feet often look out of place with a good evening dress. Choose some nice jewelry to complete the look. Once you’ve done your hair and makeup, it’s time to dress the table.
The dining table for a dinner party should be set up to take hot dishes. Hot plates to keep dishes warm should be left on the sideboard to avoid injuries. You can order fresh flowers for a centerpiece, or use a decorative table ornament. A candelabra with lit candles always looks lovely at the dinner party. Not everyone uses table linen these days, but a vibrant color table runner looks lovely either way.
When you’re setting the table, put all the cutlery out. The outside fork is for the first course, and diners then work their way in toward the table mat. It’s common for two glasses to be placed at each setting. One is for wine, and the other is for table water. If you have a good jug, fill it with ice and slices of lemon. Then you can add filtered water for a refreshing drink at the table.
Thanks to dieraecherin for the image
Red wine needs to breathe. It won’t hurt to get the bottle open a couple of hours before the meal. Some guests may prefer soft drinks, so have a few choices ready. After a meal, coffees are served. If you have your coffee maker ready and set up, you won’t have to leave the table for long to serve it. Add a liqueur for extra warmth.
Helpful Hacks
Serving from a tray is much easier for you. It also means you can make fewer trips to the kitchen. If your guests are arriving quite early in the evening, why not serve some nibbles and aperitif in your living room first? It gives you all a chance to chat and get to know new guests. While you may want your guests to feel comfortable, it is better to keep the temperature a little low when you’re having a big meal. Choose music that isn’t too intrusive. Have a playlist so you don’t need to keep choosing tracks.
Dinner parties can be great fun for you and your guests. They’re a great way to catch up with friends you haven’t seen for a while too. Bon Appetit.
