Easy Meals for Big Parties

Throwing a successful dinner party is a major milestone of adulthood. It proves that the host has learned how to properly prepare a healthy meal. She will have cleaned and arranged her home so that her friends will be impressed by her station in life. Not everyone has the time, space and finances to host a large party, so being able to do so is a sign of high social status and career success. Even if the host is not hurting for money, she will still need to avoid spending too much money on food and drinks for her party.
 























Italian Family-style
Italian food is always a big hit at a party. Pasta is inexpensive and can be made in large amounts. Pasta can be upgraded if the host chooses a whole-grain variety and uses a unique sauce. For example, she can serve it with alfredo sauce or plain pesto. Another standard that always goes over well is a salad. A classic garden salad with Italian, ranch or vinaigrette dressing can be made in the minutes preceding the start of the party. If the host wants her salad to be the entree, she can make it more substantial with a few minor adjustments. Fruit and nuts can be added to mixtures of baby spinach leaves an other dark greens. A sweet salad can be tossed with apple cider vinegar or raspberry vinaigrette dressing. A basic Caesar salad is transformed into a full meal by simply adding chicken to it. Small pieces of cooked chicken can be placed in a dish next to the salad. This way, guests can add as much chicken as they want, and vegetarians will still be able to enjoy the salad.

Small Sandwiches
Small sandwiches are good for parties at which the guests will not be sitting down the entire time. The host can make three or four different kinds of sandwiches on different kinds of bread and cut them into quarters. The guests will be able to sample each kind. At least one type of sandwich should be meatless. Toasted bruschetta is a suitable appetizer.

Individual Desserts
Cupcakes and cookies are better than single large cakes when serving a standing group. Sticking with finger foods means that the host will not risk running out of clean silverware before everyone has finished eating. She can limit her flatware to small paper plates that she can just throw away. She should provide a few bottles of wine for her guests and advise them to bring anything else that they would like to drink.


This post was written by the event planning experts at ezCater.com. For more informationa nd to order Frederick catering among other locations visit ezCater.com.

Four Fun Party Favour Ideas

Throwing a party can be a stressful time for anyone, even a professional party planner that does it for a living. There are simply so many details to think of: venue, food, guests, entertainment, logistics and more. It’s easy to get lost in the details and forget one of the things that have the potential to make a lasting impression on your guests and to ensure that your occasion is one that they’ll remember: thoughtful and unique party favours.

The key to crafting a successful gift is thinking about what your guests might actually want to use and then finding a way to incorporate an element or reminder of your event into the items. There is no point of giving them a keepsake item that they’re not going to be particularly excited about or keen on keeping. You also want to purchase items from a website like InkHead.com, for example, where you can buy personalized items in bulk. Trying to buy from speciality shops may be very expensive and can drive your planning costs up higher than you want them to be.

Party favours make an impact on your guests. Whether it’s a 50th birthday party, a bat mitzvah, a wedding or a child’s birthday, you can help them remember the wonderful time they had at your event by giving them a small gesture or gift when they leave. The things you select need not be excessive or elaborate though. Sometimes small yet thoughtful is better than expensive but generic.
Here are some party favour ideas for unique, memorable and thoughtful gifts to give your guests.

• Picture frames

Personalised photo frames are a great way to thank your guest for attending your party. You can engrave them with the name and date of your event, and send guests pictures afterwards to put in their frame. In any case, a picture frame is something your guests are certain to use.

• Engraved lighters

Everyone, even those that do not smoke, can find uses for a lighter. From campfires to candles, your guests will most certainly find ways to use their present, and each time they do, it will remind them of your memorable occasion.

• Water bottles or mugs

Personalised water bottles or mugs will give your guests a fond memory each time they get thirsty. You can include a photo, a quote or the date and details of your party to remind your guests of what a great time they had.

• Candles

Candles are a great gift to give your guests, as it will add a special touch to their home or apartment. With a variety of colours and styles, you can be creative and create personalised candles that are sure to please your guests.

Samantha really enjoys writing about business. If you'd like to learn more about thoughtful and unique party favors, please visit http://www.inkhead.com/