Tips for a Festive Holiday Party
Some simple ideas for delicious get togethers
Presentation is key
For a look that will wow your guests, place hors d’oeuvres on a dark, solid-coloured platter. This will make them pop. Just before serving, garnish the appetizers with microgreens, citrus zest or crushed pink or black pepper. Don’t worry about some falling onto the plate: it’s prettier that way!
How many hors d’oeuvres?
How many delicious bites should you serve? If you’re serving them as an appetizer before dinner, plan for four per guest. But if you’re having a cocktail party, plan for fifteen or so each. Make less if you’re also serving a platter of cheeses and cured meats. For a platter that everyone will enjoy, focus on a variety of original pairings. Pair Bocconcini with dried tomatoes, smoked Caciocavallo with olives, or Friulano with a mix of cranberries and unsalted nuts. Label the cheeses with their names and characteristics. It’s a great way to introduce your friends to delicious local products!
A drink with that?
Wine, beer and bubbly are must-haves. Set up a casual self-serve area and you’ll have one less thing to do! Fill a large bucket with ice cubes, then use it to cool mini champagne bottles and microbrewery beer. Offer several non-alcoholic options and set aside an area for kid-friendly drinks. Flavoured sparkling water, lemonade, kombucha, juices and coconut water—sparkling or not—are all good choices. Next to the glasses, offer a choice of garnishes, like twists of citrus peel and sliced fruit.
Let the festivities begin!
