Warmer weather is finally here and you can start planning more and more fun get-togethers for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
Many people don't have large gatherings because they aren't really sure
how to plan a night of food and fun. It's easy and we'll show you how. First of all, get a pen and paper and make a list of everyone you'd like to invite over. Be sure to include spouses, partners, friends or children they may be bringing along (you'll need this for planning the food and beverages later).
Then decide if you're going to hold your gathering indoors or outdoors. If you have a covered patio or other area to hold a party, the pluses of having an outdoor gathering is that it's very casual and there is very little clean up to do as you can have strategically placed trash cans around the perimeter and use disposable plates, cups and cutlery. You can actually do the same thing if you're having your party indoors, however you won't be at the mercy of the weather either.
Next, choose your foods. For your first party, make it a casual affair food-wise and use dips, small sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms, guacamole and chips and plates of fresh cut veggies for dipping. Wind and Willow makes some great dips from
Cucumber Dill, Fresh Picked Spinach,
Cheesy Bacon Dip and for the guests that love their dips on the spicy side - the
Fiesta Ranchero Dip is fabulous. Also a cheese ball is a common items at parties and when served with a yummy selection of crackers, will make an outstanding presentation. Additionally, if you don't want to serve it as a cheese "ball" you can use it as a spread on small cut bread slices to make finger sandwiches.
As far as beverages, you can create a punch bowl with a ginger ale based sparkling punch and have bottled water and perhaps iced tea.
Last but not least, decide the types of music you're going to play and even burn a "mix" of all the favorite songs of your group of friends and let it roll in the background during your party.
And that's it - you have all the basics you need to pull this off - now plan your party!
Labels: gourmet-food
by: ShopMartins
