A house full of friends and family is your ideal weekend. You love entertaining. But have you ever hosted a dinner that came together flawlessly? Probably not. Cooking for a crowd is complicated. You want every dish to stun and make mouths water while staying within a reasonable budget. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Actually, your perfect dinner party menu isn’t far-fetched. Follow these tips to create a successful night time and time again.
1. Shop seasonal
Boost your rolodex of seasonal produce by shopping your local farmer’s market and taking note of the foods you see. Farmers sell their peak produce, so you know you’re getting the season’s best. If your farmer’s market closes for the winter or you can’t find exactly what you want at the market, visit EatWild.com for more ways to source your favorites. With a library of resources, you’ll save time thinking about what to cook. Instead, you’ll pick what will taste best and can rest assured will be well received.
2. Spend with savvy
So you found a recipe you have to try? Great. Now find a way to cut costs. Check to see if you already have some of the ingredients. If the recipe calls for uncommon spices, consider substituting for similar flavors you already have on hand. Your ingredient swaps don’t have to all be small. You can even switch up the protein in a recipe to save big bucks. For instance, grass-fed flank steak is a fraction of the cost of filet mignon. While a filet mignon sounds decadent and very gourmet, it’s not practical for large parties.
3. Simplify the menu
When you choose fresh, local foods, you don’t need as many sauces or dressings to cover up your main dish. Let the flavor of the natural foods speak for themselves. Also, avoid adding last-minute menu items just to be a people pleaser. You guests will appreciate the attention to detail and flavor of three or four well-prepared dishes than an eight-course meal that you could barely get on the table. One or two appetizers plus a salad and the main entrée are sufficient for any dinner party. There is one exception: If kids are coming to your event, you could make one special dish for them – like coconut oil chicken cutlets.
4. Stick to a theme
Can’t quite nail down a cohesive menu everyone will love? You can’t go wrong with following a theme. Themes easily present themselves during the holidays, but you try this strategy all year round. You might enjoy mimicking an Italian bistro with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, bowls of Sicilian olives and your favorite opera playing in the background. Or, perhaps, an Asian fusion sounds like fun – with chopsticks and orchids on your table. Whatever you choose, keep the theme when preparing appetizers, veggies, the main entrée and even in your cocktails (or mocktails).