Click Here
for more articles |
|
|
The Sucessful Dinner Party |
by:
Kim LaBarbera |
Easy Party "Fix - its"
What is not right with this picture?
I used to serve delicious dinners with wonderful desserts; (yes, I had checked around and, they were wonderful.) However, I knew, that there was something missing. After I began working in Food Service, I had learned that it'slittle things, that completebig picture.
It's not so hard
For instance,use of doilies placed ondessert plate when servingfine piece of cake. How about light colored napkins, plain, or withgentle pattern? Did you know that people, generally feel that colored napkins, are more relaxing than white napkins? Especially pastel colors.
Wow, it is painless!
Here are some simple suggestions;
Chill your glasses about one half hour before your guests arrive.
You may want to usecarafe instead ofplain pitcher. There is less chance of spillage and, it takes up less room ontable. Speaking of spillage, wrapnapkin neatly around your wine bottle, coveringneck, so that it will catchover pour.
Some quick appetizer ideas!
Did you know thatcombination of finely chopped: garlic, fresh parsley, and mushrooms mixed with bread crumbs, butter,
and romano cheese, can quickly be stuffed into stemless mushrooms and baked atlow temperature until golden brown?
Okay, it's inform of(run on) sentence, but I am trying to provepoint...
How about some soft spread cream cheese with fresh lox, beaten for aboutminute?
Serve it with bread sticks, or water crackers. It is usually better forlunch buffet, but it will work inpinch.
If it is important that you makegood impression, plan for "surprise" problems, otherwise, problems will pop up. I amfirm believer in Murphy's Law.
These are simple adjustments, but many people I have spoken with, complain that entertaining can cost alot of money. Well, I say no. Start out small and simple. What I mean is, invite people that you feel very comfortable with, i.e., people that you do not have to impress, and wont be talking toothers about your dinner, atwater cooler.
The small and simple of it.. When you replace dinnerware, do it one section attime. Big hint! Change your wine glasses first, then replace your water and soda glasses. Wine glasses come first, because people generally feel that wine is more important than water and soda, because it is more expensive. Remember, people see your glasses first, when approachingdinner table. They will feel confident inmeal that you prepare when they see sparkling new glasses.
Forlong run
When you can further update you dinnerware, change your eating utensils. These step by step changes do not have to be expensive, they can beprice of your regular dishware. The secret is not to use them every day. You will always have that that clean, finished look, right on hand. To addprofessional appearance to your dinner table, spruce upplace settings and server ware. Salad bowls that are made of new wood, (crystal is always preferred) make your guests feel important, because you put alot of thought intosalad. Sparkling clean serving trays, makebig difference. Don't forget that you can dress anything up, by lining it withcloth napkin.
Place mats made ofwicker or cloth material are very nice. Don't forget coasters, if you decide not to uselight colored table cloth (dark colored table cloths really only work in Italian restaurants).
As forcenter piece, fresh cut flowers innicely decorated vase, are always good. However,vase has to be taken out ofroom when it is time to servemeal, becausefragrance will distractpalate.
This is very important to remember: When serving food, do not choose quality over quantity. There is nothing worse than trying to impress someone and just when you've pulled it off, you run out of food. Don't get me wrong, make surefood is impressive enough and has quality taste, but also make sure there is enough of it. Your guests may try to comfort you and say that it's alright, if you run out of food, but it's not,
i.e. make your guests want to come back.
Aboutauthor:
Article written by Kim LaBarbera
She has worked infood service
industry for twenty years, including Craft Service. Her selection of desserts and coffee can be found at: http://www.delightfulbiteful.com
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
