If you feel that you have mastered the art of choosing a menu, estimating quantities, and are unlike me, who changes the menu 5 times as the big day draws near, then please tell me what rules to follow and not get paranoid.
2006-10-18 00:49:49 · 9 answers · asked by Hysteria 4 in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
It is hard not to get anxious when planning a menu...especially when you want to create something unique and exciting and still have to consider what might be the most pleasing to the other guests. You are not alone. No one wants to serve food that isn't well appreciated. Then again, no chef wants to be treated like a short-order cook and play it safe (BORING) by making what is everyone else's favorite.
The best way to guard against that is to first decide what the mood of the dinner party will be. Set an overall theme which you will use for your invitations, your decorations, your music and your table setting. Then your menu is limited to how many changes you can make and still be within that theme...your menu is trapped! Plus, after working with the themed (ethnicity/genre/region/etc) invitation and decorations and finding just the right music, you will be in that (whatever the theme is) mood when you cook and shop for the ingredients). Another way is to list the menu on the invitations. But I wouldn'tsuggest doing that, because it IS realistic that you will be forced to make even a few minor changes (when something comes up and you don't have time stuff those cabbages after all or your grocery store looses your special order of oxtail).
As far as what quantities to serve, a good rule of thumb is to make enough so that each guest can have one serving that is approximately the size of your fist. But if you know your friends eat a lot, then increase that by 50 percent. It's much better to have too much than not enough. Good luck with everything!
2006-10-19 03:17:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
U can't help but worry a little about the menu when entertaining. Factors like prep time, everything being ready all @ once, and food allergies can make u nervous. If it helps, try to decide exactly what will be served up to 48 hours beforehand & try not to second guess yourself. Usually u can trust your instinct. Stick to dishes that you feel confident in presenting. U can usually eliminate 1 item from your planned menu to make things simpler for yourself, too. RE: quantities, it's always better to have a little too much than not enough, but unless you're feeding an army, be conservative & offer a little variety, instead of huge platters of the same item.
Best wishes. Let us know how it goes, ok? You'll do great! :)
2006-10-18 08:32:13 · answer #2 · answered by Rocker Chick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I start early in the day thinking about what food I want to serve. Then I have enough time to poke around for the perfect recipes, make a list, and go to the store for stuff I don't have. I bookmark all the recipes, and write everything down on a notepad. Then I start prepping and tossing anything in the slow-cooker. Assemble any and everything you can and put it in the fridge. That way you can sit for a while, take a shower, and do minimal work right before the event.
I find that making lists and a lot of prep time relieves a lot of anxiety. And once I start cooking, there's no changing the menu.
2006-10-18 07:56:14 · answer #3 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, everyone does! Martha Stewart says to place all of your dishes out the day before your event and label them with what they are being used for. For example, this dish is for rolls, and this is where Jonny will be sitting, and this is the punch bowl. Also, see if there are any dishes that you can prepare a few days ahead of time, and just heat up before your guests arrive. I would also recommend a check list for everything, no matter how mundane it may seem. Good-luck!
2006-10-18 08:03:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I choose a menu and stick with it, I am still a nervous wreck befor the party though.
2006-10-18 16:37:24 · answer #5 · answered by cremcharl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually just have one starter, one main, one dessert, and some side dishes. Yet somehow I always manage to have waaay too much food. I would suggest to just make something that you like to make (or want to try making) and then go with it. I might always have too much food, but never had any complaints! Good luck!
2006-10-18 10:33:44 · answer #6 · answered by Bex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I pretty much decide, and leave it alone. it doesn't pay to get stressed like that. My mom on the other hand gets more upset about if the house is just right.
2006-10-18 10:05:12 · answer #7 · answered by Ha Ha! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the people coming over are your friends, why would you worry?
2006-10-18 07:57:44 · answer #8 · answered by CrankyYankee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
focus and when you have decided - stick to it - changing your mind so many times means you are indecisive
2006-10-18 13:55:36 · answer #9 · answered by gabby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋