A celebration/party is successful when everything comes together. Venue, company, music, and even the food that is served is of utmost importance. The food and drinks served creates the ambience, just like the place of the celebration and the decoration. A relaxed barbecue requires easy to eat food, while a formal sit down dinner requires a number of courses and a highly structured and thought out food and drink pairing. If the food is appropriate for the atmosphere and the type of celebration, the host enhances the overall experience of the celebration, and thus the guests get to enjoy themselves more.
Casual Gatherings and Backyard Parties
Casual gatherings and backyard parties are the type of celebration where warmth and togetherness is felt the most. Parties are informal and tend to include close family, friends, and even neighbors. Picture a summer evening with music in the background, with children playing and adults mingling while food is served from the grill or buffet. Guests should be not be bothered to assemble the plate. It is a goal to make the guests mingle and move to get more food.
Food to consider:
- Grilling – burgers, hotdogs and kebabs
- Potato salad, coleslaw, and fresh pasta salad
- Sliders, chicken wings, nachos and more
- Fruit platter or skewers.
Drinks should also be relaxed-style-friendly. Offer a variety of options that both kids and adults enjoy, so everyone gets to have some tasty drink fun.
Drinks to offer:
- Homemade lemonade or iced tea
- Light lagers or craft beers
- Fruit-infused sangria
- Sparkling water with lime or berries
- Simple cocktails like mojitos or margaritas
Intimate Dinner Parties
Intimate dinner parties accommodate a small gathering of close friends or relatives, most often at home. Great talk, great thinking, and an atmosphere that is personal and one-of-a-kind are the top agendas. Because the gatherings are so intimate, it’s also a lovely thought to surprise guests with something unique. You can shop for the best gourmet gift baskets to present at the table or to take home with a lasting surprise.
Food-wise, you’re looking for foods that are warm but classy. Make the portions small, but each course meaningful and well-prepared.
Foods to consider:
- Appetizers such as bruschetta, filled mushrooms, or charcuterie platters
- Main courses such as roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or pasta with fresh herbs
- Seasonal side dishes like roasted vegetables or risotto
- Desserts like cheesecake, panna cotta, or fruit tarts
- For drinks, offer choices that go well with the courses and the cozy but sophisticated ambiance.
Drinks to offer:
- A variety of red and white wines
- Sparkling wine or champagne for a celebratory feel
- Classic cocktails like an old fashioned or martini
- After-dinner drinks like espresso or dessert wine
Elegant Evenings and Formal Celebrations
The setting of refinement is upscale nights and hedonistic parties. These parties generally mark special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or business events where style equals taste. Refinement is what the guests expect, so everything that ends up on the plate has to be up to their standards. Presenting dishes that are luxurious to the taste buds without overdoing it, along with situation-behind-beer beverages that complement the whole experience, is the goal. Thoughtful combinations, stunning presentation, and meticulous attention to detail produce an sophistication that is not easily forgotten.
Foods to serve:
- Appetizers such as smoked salmon canapés, oysters, or foie gras
- Multi-course meals with such choices as filet mignon, lamb chops, or duck breast
- Sophisticated sides such as truffle mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus
- Sophisticated desserts such as crème brûlée, chocolate soufflé, or tiramisu
Drinks to serve:
- Champagne or sparkling wine for toasts
- Reds like pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon for indulgent mains
- Whites like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc for light food
- Traditional cocktails like a French 75 or negroni
- Liqueurs to follow like port or cognac
Seasonal and Holiday Parties
Seasonal parties and holidays are by nature inviting. Each season of the year has an adjective that defines its flavor, color, and tradition that can inform what you’ll be serving and how you’ll be serving it. These parties bring together larger groups of people, so the menu must fit festive mood and crowd-pleasing food. Seasonal foods keep all of it up-to-date and pertinent, and adding old-fashioned flair provides guests with a feeling of nostalgia and familiarity. Whether it’s a warm winter dinner party, a summer barbecue, or a holiday feast, having your table fit the season unifies the event.
Foods to utilize:
- Autumn: roasted root vegetables, pumpkin pie, spiced cookies
- Winter: stews, glazed ham, gingerbread houses
- Spring: salads, asparagus dishes, lemon tarts
- Summer: seafood platters, griddled corn, berry puddings
Drinks to remember:
- Autumn: mulled cider, spiced lattes, dark ales
- Winter: hot chocolate with accompaniments, mulled wine, Irish coffee
- Spring: light white wines, sparkling cocktails, herbal teas
- Summer: mojitos, sangria with fresh fruit, chilled rosé
Conclusion
Every party has its own personality, and what you serve up in the way of food and drink helps to bring that personality to life. If your food harmonizes with the party vibe, you produce an effortless and memorable event. Slices and soft drinks are the center of casual parties, but refined evenings call for better-quality cuisine and chic pairings. Seasonal parties prosper on flavors that are iconic to the season, and small dinners prosper on indulgent details. Coordinate the menu with your party theme, and your company will never forget it.