|
Episode 6082: Entertaining 101 |
|
Party Food |
 |
| If there’s one thing that everyone loves
about a party it’s the food, and it's a good idea
to consider different options for when you plan a party
at home. There are basically three types of food settings:
a cocktail reception, a formal dinner and family style.
Here are some tips on creating each with ease.
For a cocktail reception, I prefer an hors d’oeuvre
platter. Shrimp, tiny quail eggs with caviar, smoked
salmon, vegetable bundles and a well-placed flower make
for a tantalizing presentation. Don’t forget tiny
bowls filled with dipping sauces and some fresh fruit
garnish. Place platters down onto occasional tables,
allowing guests to indulge as they wish. Plan on five
hors d’oeuvres per guest per hour of a cocktail
reception.
In planning a formal dinner, you can choose a plated
service. This is where you remove the dinner plate from
the perfectly set table, take it into the kitchen for
assembly and then present the guest a completed dish.
This is the best to really show off your culinary expertise.
Bear in mind that you are taking a chance in presuming
how much each guest feels like eating; try to make each
plate identically portioned.
Family style involves placing all of the main dishes
on serving platters and bowls and presenting them to
your guests. Make sure to only dress a salad at the
very last minute.
You can also do the dinner party buffet style, which
is similar family style. The main difference being that
the food is placed onto a station, allowing guests to
serve themselves.
|
|
