Kids Birthday Parties
Party Food
Most parties are about sharing a special occasion with friends or family. Of course, food is important. In fact, party food and drink and the atmosphere are all part of the mix.
When it comes to planning party food, I have three words for you – lists, lists and lists.
Prepare and write down these lists:
- a food list or a menu
- a drinks list
- a shopping list of things you can buy ahead
- a list of last-minute buys
If you are serving finger food as the main party food, work it out as pieces per head, taking into consideration the time of day and the length of the party. If it is at a mealtime (say 7.30 – 9.30 pm) people will be more hungry and expecting more food. If your party starts after 8.00 pm, guests will probably have eaten but may be hungry again later, so you can serve party food a little further into the evening.
On average allow 5 pieces of finger food per person per hour for the first two hours and 3 – 4 pieces for each hour after that. So, for a 2 hour cocktail party, 10 pieces per person. But, if the party is going on for longer, after a break serve small party food like tiny toasted sandwiches, a little sausages in tiny bread rolls or mini pizzas. For standby, have a fruit platter on hand just in case.
Party food should taste good and look great. Arrange your delicious delicacies so that guests simply cannot resist. Serve samosas on a silver platter, “siew mai” in a bamboo steamer, sandwiches in a napkin-lined basket or meat satay on glossy banana leaves. Serve oysters and scallops on the shell or in spoons, or fried noddles in mini take-away noddles boxes. Perhaps, you do not have to do all these at one go!! Choose a theme, a style and stay with it.
If you do not have any help, or you do not want to get stuck in the kitchen for most of your party, choose party food that can be prepared ahead and does not need too much last-minute attention. Choose 4 – 5 recipes, not too many unless you have an army of helpers. Aim for balance in both the style and the flavors. You can start something cold, and when more guests have arrived, move onto some hot dishes.