Menu Planning Tips For Your Next Event

Hey party people! It is I, Amaris, back at it again with the tips and tricks you need to make your next event the envy of the friend group. I have compiled a list of must-have fare and refreshments at your next shin-dig. Whether you’re having lite bites with friends or hosting a fancy dinner party, you’ll be prepared to wow the crowd.

Yes, I still use that phrase…shin-digs are where it’s at baby.



The Appetizers:

I am a sucker for a starter. If it weren’t for the fact that we already begin our meals with these delectable good times in bite-size form, they would most certainly be at the top of this list regardless of the order. A beautiful, but easy fruit assortment is great because it’s something your guests can recognize and feel good about starting with. I would pair the fresh fruit off with something savory or spicy to counter the sweet, that will give you a great balance, and amp up the tastebuds for the meal ahead. A great example of paring the two is building a beautiful charcuterie board. I was at a venue walk-through with wedding clients of mine last summer, and a beautiful spread of color was laid out before my eyes. The mix of cured meats, aged cheeses, along with an assortment of fruits and veggies stole the show! If you don’t know where to start, go to your local grocer and talk to the cheesemonger. Try some samples, find what you like, and then dish it out! Be sure to be courteous and keep the food groups separated for those guests who may be vegan. They don’t have to be huge, but colorful is what you’re going for.  

Photo Credit: Simply Chic Soirees

The Mains: 

Remember on the last blog when I said that food is the backbone of any event? It’s so true I had to repeat it. You could have the greatest music and lighting at your party, but if the food isn’t right…throw the whole event away! I love to put hearty pasta and proteins on the table because it’s always a winning combo. A favorite of mine is a nice grilled Salmon flavored with rosemary and lemon, and I serve that with a big bowl of bowtie pesto pasta. Craving steak? How about pan-seared Filet mignon topped with homemade Chimichurri, served with a creamy Fettuccini Alfredo. Make the parents proud and throw something green in the mix. Savory asparagus spears or a summer spinach salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette goes well and looks pretty too. Not for nothing, who doesn’t like pretty food? The key to why this works so perfectly is that there’s an option for everyone to eat something. There’s a way to substitute gluten-free pasta or vegan meatless pairings. Omnivores, Vegetarians, Vegans all can be happy if you arrange the meal to consist of options everyone can enjoy. 

Photo Credit: https://br.pinterest.com/bettynavarrete/comida-italiana/

The Libations:

Louis Pasture once said, “A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world.” Well then, based on all the wine I’ve had I must be a genius! Wine can really enhance the course flavors and truly make dinner more enjoyable. Here’s a quick list of wine pairings for you to reference:

Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/@valeriya

• Buttery Chardonnay- White wine: For dishes with cream sauces, cheese, shellfish

• Sauvignon Blanc- White wine: For light foods, fish, chicken; good aperitif wine.

• Dry Rosé - Blush or pinkish hue: Versatile wine that goes with fish, chicken, cheese

• Pinot Noir – Red wine: Goes with moderate to medium foods, salmon, pork, chicken

• Zinfandel – Red Wine: Pizza, pasta, grilled red meat (White Zins have a light berry red color)

• Merlot – Red wine: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken

• Cabernet – Red wine: The ultimate juicy steak wine

• Syrah – Red wine: BBQ red meats, pork ribs

When serving guests, I like to open 2-3 bottles of different varieties and I let my guests serve themselves. Red wine should be served at room temperature, but it’s best around the low 60’s. For white wines, I prefer the bottle to have a nice chill when I serve it. An hour or so in the fridge before serving should do the trick. You don’t have to be a stickler on what wine goes with what dish, but I definitely do suggest that you drink wine out of the correct wine glass. The glasses are created to make sure you get the best flavors out of your wine. Call me bougie, but there are reasons for these things. Of course, make sure you have other options for the non-drinkers in the group like juices, soft drinks, and plenty of water on hand to drink in between glasses of wine. 

The Sweets:

Personally, I am more of a savory than a sweets girl. I always say that you could put sautéed garlic and onions on a piece of rubber, and chances are I’d like it. LOL However there are times that I do crave a good dessert, and at that time there’s no denying that craving. Honestly, if I am having guests over for dinner and I’m in a rush, I will hit the grocery store deli and get a nice baked apple pie and a freezer aisle ice cream. The trick is the plating EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I’ll get an inexpensive wine glass, and just layer the pie and ice cream, and top with berries or whipped cream. Or if you have the time you can skip the pie and just have the ice cream and have out a myriad of toppings for people to choose from. One of the easiest desserts I make that really gets jaws dropping is angel food cake cups filled with sweetened berries. Here’s how I do it:

Photo Credit: The Grape Vine https://images.app.goo.gl/6rwNuFWk8eAsohUp8

You can buy the angel food cake cups in your local grocery store, usually in the bakery/deli section. I get a fresh or frozen berry mix and add a cup or 2 into a saucepan. I add an equal amount of water (1 to 1), and add 1/2 cup of sugar (this really depends on how many berries), and a squeeze of lemon juice ( you could add some orange liquor or wine at this point if you have it *wink*). I let this mixture simmer on a cooktop until it bubbles, and all the sugar is incorporated. Turn the flame down until the mixture thickens and chill for at least an hour before serving. I like to warm the angel food cake just a little before spooning the mixture in the cups, and then top with fresh whipped cream! Voila! It’s so light and good, and everyone will think you slaved over it for hours. Now, you want to put these together at the moment of serving, because they tend to get soggy if they sit too long. My niece and nephew love it and always want to help make them. I’m telling ya, it’s a hit! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog on what to serve at your next event! Food is one of my favorite topics to talk about and is seriously a keystone to any event. These are some suggestions to help you kick your dinner parties off to a great start and an even better end. As I always say, these tips aren’t for everyone, tweek and change what you want to suit your event in the best way possible. You know your guests, and you are certainly the main ingredient for a fun time. If you like what you’ve read, give us a like, and share this blog on your socials. If you’re getting married or have an event to be planned, be sure to contact us today for a free consultation. 

Until next time!

Keep it Chic,
XOXO
Amaris T.