How to create a great dinner party menu?
Here are my top 10 tips:
- First and foremost . ...
- Determine the theme (if any) and tone of the party – casual, elegant, French, Mexican, etc. ...
- Think about the setting – buffet or plated? ...
- Politely ask in advance if guests have any dietary restrictions. ...
How to plan a menu for a dinner party?
Planning an epic dinner party doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, professional baker Vallery Lomas, author of Life Is What You Bake It, has the perfect recipe for an impressive dinner party for four—even if you only have $25 to spend. "No matter ...
What is a good dinner party menu?
Dinner Party Menus:
- Tex- Mex Dinner Party Menu. ...
- A Dinner Party on a Budget. ...
- Casual Easy Recipes Low on Prep Time. ...
- Make Ahead Recipes. ...
- The Christmas Dinner My In-Laws Loved. ...
- My Mom’s Go-To Christmas Dinner. ...
- Healthy Dinner Party Menu. ...
- Classic Italian Dinner Party Menu. ...
- Sunday Roast Dinner Party Menu. ...
- Greek Dinner Party Menu. ...
What are good dinner party recipes?
All Dinner Parties Recipes Ideas
- A Tapas-Style Dinner Party for Just $30. Plus 7 recipes to inspire you.
- Top Recipes for Winter Entertaining
- 5 Inspired Twists on Devils on Horseback. Retro Cocktails: Party Like It's ... ...
- Not Your Average Dinner: Game Night. Ree prepares her favorite beef tenderloin for a 'friend'ly dinner party. ...
What are the categories for a dinner party menu?
A list of the most common meal courses:Appetizer*Soup.Salad.Pasta.Main Course.Dessert with Coffee & Cordials.
What is the easiest thing to make for dinner?
Top 10 Easy Dinner RecipesBaked Spaghetti Recipe.Stovetop Burgers – How to Cook Burgers on the Stove.Italian Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese.Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe.Baked Ranch Chicken with Bacon (Chicken Bacon Ranch)Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe (Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia)Oven Fried Chicken Breast.More items...
What should I make for my friends dinner?
Everything in This Slideshow1 of 16. Tips for Making Meals for Friends. ... Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. View Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. ... Greek Chicken and Barley Salad. ... Penne Rigate with Spicy Sausage and Zucchini in Tomato Cream Sauce. ... 5 of 16. ... All-American Chili. ... Chicken and Rice Casserole. ... Wild Mushroom Pastitsio.More items...•
How do you have a casual dinner party?
The Do's and Don'ts of DinnersDon't be cooking when your guests arrive. ... Make everything ahead. ... Have everyone bring a dish. ... You need to serve at least three courses. ... Don't let everyone fill up on bread. ... Cook only show-stopping dishes. ... You need enough furniture and tableware. ... Keep the wine flowing.More items...•
What are the most basic dinners?
55 Easy Dinner Recipes for Beginners (That Even the Most Culinarily Challenged Can Manage)15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta. ... One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots. ... Ravioli Lasagna. ... Slow-Cooker Chicken Teriyaki. ... Cheater's Skillet Paella. ... Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe. ... Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard.More items...•
What are the most common dinners?
1. Rice + chicken + salad. This combo tends to look different from state to state (juicy fried chicken in the South vs. grilled with salt and pepper on the coasts), but the basics are classically American: rice, chicken, and salad (or greens).
How do you plan a dinner party menu?
What to Consider in Dinner Party Menu PlanningFirst and foremost . . . don't stretch yourself. ... Determine the theme (if any) and tone of the party – casual, elegant, French, Mexican, etc. ... Think about the setting – buffet or plated? ... Politely ask in advance if guests have any dietary restrictions.More items...
What do you put on a share platter?
Dips, relishes, fruit paste, fresh fruit or vegetable pieces, dried fruit, cured deli meats, olives etc. The possibilities are endless! A few things to keep in mind though... Dips are easy to make at home, check out my recipes for Whipped Feta, Avocado Cilantro (Coriander) Dip or Hummus.
What is something fun cook?
25 Fun & Easy Dinners to Make If You're Bored With Cooking at...Spicy Shrimp and Citrus Salad. ... Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. ... Salmon with Avocado Salsa. ... Lemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad. ... Mole-Spiced Chickpea and Grilled Zucchini Tacos. ... Garlic Basil Shrimp and Grits. ... Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey “Nachos” ... Miso Chicken.More items...•
How do I host a dinner party at home?
Decide who to invite and when you're hosting. For your first dinner party, four to six guests is a good starting point. ... Get strategic with menu planning. ... Provide plenty of drinks. ... Prepare in advance. ... Set the ambiance. ... Wear an apron. ... Be a cleaning hero. ... Go easy on yourself.
What do you serve at a Southern dinner party?
31 classic Southern foods everyone should makeSnacks & Starters. Fried Green Tomatoes. This simple recipe comes from Anne Byrn and will get you 12 to 16 slices -- enough for a proper Southern dinner party. ... Soups. Chicken & Dumplings. ... Salads. Potato Salad. ... Entrees. Fried chicken. ... Sides. Macaroni & Cheese. ... Desserts. Pecan Pie.
How do you keep guests entertained at a dinner party?
6 DINNER PARTY ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS. Dinner parties aren't just about the food. ... GAMES. Games are a party classic, a sure fire way to have your guests laughing and bonding with each other. ... DIY. ... KARAOKE. ... THEMES. ... MURDER MYSTERY. ... TAKE THINGS OUTSIDE.
2. Italian Bruschetta Bar
This elegant DIY bruschetta bar looks like it came from a fancy caterer. But really, it’s just a matter of buying the right essentials and a little artful arrangement.
3. Cedar Plank Salmon with Blistered Tomatoes
Gaby Dalkin ’s smoky, citrusy grilled salmon recipe is our go-to for any warm-weather holiday. Serve it with a crisp white wine and never look back.
4. Slow-Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
A slow cooker can be a total dinner-party savior; doing all the heavy lifting earlier in the day means more time to hang out with your guests. This restaurant-worthy dish pairs fork-tender braised beef and al dente pasta. (And don’t forget the dollop of ricotta on top.)
5. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is fun, festive and one of our favorite ways to feed a crowd (it’s really just a one-pan rice dish). Crank up the jazz and serve it with a pitcher of daiquiris for a real New Orleans vibe.
6. Easy One-Pan Ratatouille
If a cartoon rodent can make this dish look fancy, so can you. Plus, it’s totally vegan and gluten-free, so it’s a great thing to serve when you’re not totally up on what your guests prefer.
7. Prosciutto and Fig Salad Board
How to make a salad look impressive? Turns out, all you need to do is serve it on a board instead of in a bowl. This one, full of ripe figs and ribbons of prosciutto, is a first-course knockout.
8. Slow-Cooker Shrimp Boil
There’s nothing better for a summer gathering than a good old-fashioned shrimp boil with sausage, corn and plenty of Old Bay seasoning. In this easy recipe, everything cooks together in a Crock-Pot, so all you need to do when friends arrive is slice up some good crusty bread.
Before You Start
First, check out the dinner party timeline to help you plan the meal. Then get a shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need.
Vermouth Spritzer
For a light, festive pre-dinner cocktail, serve this simple fizzy drink. Get the recipe.
Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder
Rub the pork with garlic, rosemary, and sage and roast until the skin is extra crispy. Get the recipe.
Creamy Baked Parmesan Polenta
You can prepare this warm, comforting side dish up to 1 day ahead. Get the recipe.
Carrots With Spicy Olive-Lemon Oil
Give steamed carrots a Mediterranean spin with thinly sliced lemon, olives, and crushed red pepper. Get the recipe.
Winter Greens With Fennel and Croutons
Homemade croutons are easy to make and add a fresh, flavorful crunch that store-bought versions can’t rival. Get the recipe.
Lemon Buttermilk Cake With Pistachio Ice Cream
Lemon juice and zest lend a pleasing citrus tang to this light, fluffy cake. Get the recipe.
What to serve with cheeseburger tacos?
Form the burgers in advance, mix up some animal sauce, cook some bacon, and arrange burger toppings on a platter. Serve the cheeseburger tacos with grilled corn, and Garlic Parmesan Grilled Potatoes, or for something lighter, a Shopska Salad. Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – This no bake pie is a delicious treat!
What is the best cocktail to serve with lambrusco?
Cocktail: Lambrusco Sangria – To prepare this fruity and effervescent cocktail you marinate apple, tangerine, and cranberries in a mix of orange juice and brandy. You can prepare this the night before, and then just before guests arrive, pour that fruit mixture into a pitcher and add ice and a bottle of lambrusco.
1. Sirloin Tip Steak
Nothing says fancy more than a steak dinner. It can be quite expensive though, especially if you’re feeding a lot.
4. Cheese Board
I love a good charcuterie. Just looking at that beautiful spread gives me joy.
5. Rolls
This recipe is a copycat of the famous Texas Roadhouse rolls. These square buns don’t only have a unique shape, but flavor as well.
6. Crostini
This versatile finger food can be used in so many different ways, so having it for your party is a smart decision.
7. Pizza Rolls
Sometimes, no matter how well you’ve planned for a party, you can still end up with more guests than expected.
8. Honey Glazed Salmon
I’m drooling just by looking at this honey-glazed salmon. This stunning dish is excellent for your next intimate dinner.
9. Sweet Potato Casserole
While a certified hit during Thanksgiving, this sweet potato casserole will turn any party from so-so to spectacular.
Take the stress out of hosting with these casual dinner party menu ideas. They're just right for any easy-going meal with friends
Take the stress out of hosting with these casual dinner party menu ideas. They're just right for any easy-going meal with friends.
Favorite Company Casserole
My guests like this casserole even if they don't usually like all the ingredients in it! For instance, people who don't care for broccoli don't mind it in this dish. And I like the way it's so easy to make and serve when company comes. —Suzann Verdun, Lisle, Illinois
Pleasing Potato Pizza
I first heard of this distinctive pizza after a friend tried it at a restaurant. It inspired me to come up with my own recipe. The way the slices disappear, there’s no doubt about this pizza’s potatoey goodness. —Barbara Zimmer, Wanless, Manitoba
So-Tender Swiss Steak
This fork-tender Swiss steak with rich gravy was an often-requested main dish around our house when I was growing up. Mom took pride in preparing scrumptious, hearty meals like this for our family and guests. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Moist Cranberry Pork Roast
I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
Calgary Stampede Ribs
"More, please!" is what I hear when I serve these zippy, finger-licking ribs to family or guests. The first time my husband and I tried them, we pronounced them the best ever. The recipe has its roots in the Calgary Stampede, an annual Western culture festival and exhibition in our province. —Marian Misik, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Turkey in Cream Sauce
I've been relying on this recipe for tender turkey since I first moved out on my own years ago. I serve it whenever I invite new guests to the house, and I'm constantly writing out the recipe. —Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
What to do with arugula salad?
Skip the bagged arugula and pick up a few heads of dramatically leafy lettuces or chicories, like radicchio. To make their leaves the center of attention, slice or tear them into large pieces.
What is Spike kombucha?
Spike kombucha with low-octane Aperol, plus something harder, like gin or tequila. To serve this soon-to-be-famous house cocktail, pour it into a large mason jar or carafe (or flower vase, or...) next to glasses, a bowl of ice, citrus slices, club soda, and bitters.
What to do when you have hours and not days to prepare a meal?
It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but treat this as your ta-da! moment, something a notch or two above Tuesday-night chicken thighs. Roasting a large, boneless cut of meat —think leg of lamb or pork shoulder—with a garlicky spice rub will always taste amazing and look impressive, not to mention feed everyone (with a strong chance of leftovers).
1. Crispy Pan Potatoes
If you need a ton of delicious potatoes to serve at your next party consider this crispy pan potato recipe.
2. Sirloin Steak
If you’re looking to make an impression at your next dinner party, try out this sirloin steak dinner party idea.
4. Cheddar Jalapeno Chive Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are always a hit at any party and adding in some chives with some bacon and cheddar cheese makes them irresistible.
5. Ribs
Ribs are a perfect party pleaser because everyone knows how delicious they are.
6. Chicken Pot Pie
The classic chicken pot pie is even better when you bring it to your next dinner party.
7. French Tomato Mustard Tart
You’ll want to save this French tomato mustard tart for your guests that have a sophisticated palate.
8. Cheese Board
This is one of those easy dinner party recipes that you can bust out right before the party and it will still be just as good.
