How to Design an Enticing Menu for Your Special Event

Finger Food Appetizer

Whenever you’re planning a special event, the menu is definitely a critical piece of the puzzle. Even a small menu can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t take time to design and plan it properly. Here are a few tips to help you prepare everything, down to the table and chairs :

Decide What the Focus of Your Menu Will Be
Whether it’s your great-grandmother’s savory brisket or your signature roasted quail, you need to know from the beginning what the main course is going to be. You wouldn’t want to serve the same appetizers and side dishes with smoked salmon that you would with a pot of chili. Your main course will also help determine what the style of your meal will be, whether that’s casual, formal, or buffet.

Consider Color and Flavor Balances
While you do want to have a nutritionally sound menu , you also want it to look good. Green is beautiful and healthy, but too much of it just doesn’t look very enticing. Similarly, buttery mashed potatoes, soft biscuits, gravy, and other starchy foods may be comforting and delicious, but they can make your spread look bland and boring, not to mention unhealthy. Go for diversity in colors, flavors, and textures that are appropriate for the main course, and try not to use the same ingredients in too many dishes.

Make It as Easy as Possible on Yourself
Avoid the temptation to try out a brand new and complex recipe for the first time. Stick with things you know you can make quickly and well, and that won’t break your budget. Talk to a party rental supply company about commercial food service equipment that you can use to serve, and go ahead and take care of your flatware and seating needs while you’re there. The more you can do to minimize your work, the more you’ll be able to actually enjoy the event you’ve planned.

Come see us at American Party Rental in Austin or call (512) 837-6500 if you’re planning a party or special event. Our high-quality party rentals will help you make your next event a success. You can also find out more about the equipment we offer by exploring our website.