how to plan a party: menu

When deciding your menu, you should use your STEP ONE and your theme as a guide.

(What do you want to spend?)

Small Budget:
-Have the party later in the evening and serve hor d’ ourves and/or desserts and drinks. (avoid meal times)
-Have a potluck. (I know what you’re thinking, but potlucks done right can be tres chic) Ask guests to bring a dish that describes their personality or begins with the first letter of their name, both fun ideas if your guests don’t really know each other. Have small pieces of cardstock folded in half for guests to label their fare.
-Breakfast or Tea

Large Budget:
-Sit down dinner
-Buffet, meal and desserts
-Have a selection of drinks and always consider water, juice, coffee and tea

(Who do you want to invite?)

Simple choices – children or adults, alcohol or not, meat or not, etc.

(Why are you having a party?)

Make sure your menu choices cover essentials for why you are having a party. (i.e. birthday cake)

Theme
This one is fun. Your theme can even be food – chocolate, apples, BBQ, fondue, etc. A theme often defines the menu.