As the Christmas period comes around, you’ll likely find yourself either attending a dinner party (or three!), or even hosting one yourself. Even when it’s not Christmas time, there’s a lot of thought that goes into hosting a good dinner party. The food can make or break your dinner party, so it’s absolutely essential that you choose the best food items possible. We’ve compiled a list of the must-have items to make a dinner party a success.
Canapes for Your Guests
If your meal isn’t quite ready by the time your guests arrive, it’s important to ensure they don’t go hungry. An easy solution to this problem is to have a selection of canapes on hand for your guests to help themselves to. Some easy options include a nice load of bread with accompanying oils, or perhaps something more complex like roulades.
Delicious Cocktails
Another easy way to keep your guests entertained is by providing them with some fancy cocktails whilst they settle into your party. Consider the season when thinking of your cocktails; something as simple as Pimms may suffice for the summer, but in the winter this won’t be appropriate. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!
A Show-Stopping Wine
For some people, this is the most important component of any dinner party! Try to choose a wine which compliments your main course – for example, a nice red for a beef joint, or white wine to accompany fish – as this will ensure your party is a roaring success.
A Stunning Starter
The starter is a great opportunity to open your meal with a bang, and it doesn’t have to be a soup. Try to think of something that is light, delicious, and will leave your guests high on anticipation and eager to see what you’ve dished up for the main course. A well-made salad or a seafood option are some of our suggestions.
High Quality Meat
The meat is the centrepiece of the meal, so it’s vital that you buy a good quality cut, and it’s cooked well. Selecting a cut of meat can, however, be quite stressful. Luckily, there are companies on hand, such as the Dorset Meat Company, that are on hand to take the stress out of buying your meat.
Cheese and Charcuterie
Before you move on to dessert, which is likely to be a sweeter dish, your guests may appreciate something savoury to bridge the transition from the main course. A cheeseboard is the perfect way to do this; there are many fantastic cheese options that you can satisfy your guests with, and you can provide a small selection of cold meats and olives to round off your board.
A Brilliant Dessert
The best way to conclude your meal is with a sweet touch at the end. This is the part of the meal that is likely to stick in the minds of your guests once they’ve departed. Depending on the season, this can be something as simple as summer fruits, or require some more preparation. If you’re a fan of baking, then consider making a cake or tart for your guests.
An Espresso in Conclusion
Nothing’s better than a lovely coffee at the end of a large meal. An espresso is the best option for this, as it’ll ensure your guests are alert enough to get home without keeping them up all night! The best part is you don’t need an expensive coffee machine to make a lovely espresso; simply make a strong batch of coffee in a large bodum and serve to your guests in small cups. An easy, and brilliant way to bring your stunning party to a close.
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