Planning Your Next Party Menu

Find Inspiration for Your Menu in Both the Familiar and the New

For many hostesses, one of the hardest parts about planning a party is deciding on the menu. However, it can be easier if you follow this path in your planning process.

1. Use recipes that are no-fail favorites whenever you go to a pot luck type of party, or have guests to your home.
2. Look at any new cookbooks you own, recipes you've clipped from the newspaper, or favorite recipe sites on the Internet for dishes that you've been dying to test out. However, don't let your party be the first time you attempt a new recipe. Test it out on your family first to make sure you like it and that the recipe instructions work. Pay close attention to the time it takes you to prepare the dish so that you can work that into your party timetable. Try this salad for something a little different but deliciously satisfying on your menu: Venetian Bacon and Bean Salad
3. Think about seasonal ingredients. Whenever possible, work those into your menu. That way you know you'll have access to the freshest ingredients at their peak. These will be the ones that best suit the mood of your guests whether it's lighter salads in the summer or slow cooked dishes in the winter. This side dish makes a great menu addition in the spring when asparagus are at their peak: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic
4. Use an artist's eye as you review your menu. You don't want too many dishes of the same color. Try this colorful side dish to brighten up your menu: Fancy Green Beans
5. Take into consideration any special dietary considerations of your guests. That doesn't mean that all of your recipes need to meet your guests' dietary needs, but you should have enough variety so that they can choose the ones that fit their situation. For example, if you have vegetarian guests, you don't have to eliminate meat from your menu, just make sure you have several hearty side dishes to satisfy their hunger. If you know that you have a guest who is allergic to nuts, dairy, eggs, etc. be sure to point out any dishes that include those ingredients.
6. Review your menu for balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures. Unless you're planning a menu for the express purpose of highlighting an ingredient, you wouldn't want to have the same flavor in every dish. Be sure a buffet includes both hot and cold dishes. This one dish recipe combines a variety of delicious textures and flavors: Smoked Sausage Sauté with Lemon Herb Vegetables and Pasta
7. Remember your physical limitations. Make sure the menu is something you can accomplish without becoming too stressed for your party. Aim to have a few dishes you can prepare in advance, and another one or two that are easy to assemble at the end. Limit yourself to only one or two very ambitious recipes that will take more time and attention than the others. And don't hesitate to fill out your menu with a few purchased dishes from your favorite gourmet market. A Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham is a great way to please your guests, leaving you with plenty of time to work on other dishes and party preparations.