Cooking Tips > Tips > Dinner parties made easy

Dinner parties made easy

Dinner parties made easy
If you’re relaxed your guests will be too
Print tip Print tip
  • All menus are about balance. There should be a balance of textures, temperatures, colours and flavours across the meal.
  • If you’re going to make the main course the standout course, go easy on yourself by serving a cold starter and simple ice cream or sorbet for the other courses. Fruit and a cheese plate make the perfect finishing touch.
  • Vary the techniques you use – don’t follow a salad with another salad, or a braise with another braise, for example.
  • The classical structure of starter, fish, meat, and pudding is tried and tested. You can omit one of the courses if you wish.
  • Italian antipasti – with lots of different cheeses, meats and vegetables to share – is a simple way to start a meal.
  • Your workload should be balanced too, so don’t pick three labour-intensive courses.
  • Don’t be experimental. Pick dishes you’ve done before.
  • Don’t be afraid of buying in – just as they do in France and Italy sometimes. Charcuterie, smoked salmon, great bread or a fine apple tart are always impressive. Who cares whether you made it or not?
  • Do what you can in advance. If you’re stuck in the kitchen all night, you won’t have fun – and nor will your guests.
  • A rich main course should be followed by light, refreshing desserts.
  • A spicy course needs to be balanced out by milder courses or dishes.
  • Have guests serve themselves from a large dish in the centre of the table. It’s more convivial and it eases the host’s workload.
  • Serve vegetables and side dishes ‘family style’ rather than struggling against the clock to plate all the components like a professional.
  • Keep it simple. If you’re relaxed, your guests will be too. That’s the secret.
Knorr

Rate it

Share it

Facebook icon Digg icon Twitter icon Reddit icon StumbleUpon icon
Print it Print tip
Knorr
Share this page Facebook icon Digg icon Twitter icon Reddit icon StumbleUpon icon