Throwing a party is both an exciting and a daunting task. As a host, you need to entertain the guests, but behind the scenes, it gets chaotic. This is especially true when a milestone celebration like an anniversary is at stake. You have two options as solutions. You either outsource the management or consider an easy way out beforehand. The latter is more personal and intimate if it is a small celebration. But if a large crowd, opt for outsourcing.
Regardless, no party is complete without an assortment of food and drinks. Think of both bite-sized snacks and meal menus. A lot of thought goes into choosing the menu. The anniversary cake is a no-brainer as it is the centrepiece. You select a popular flavour and elegant design, and the job is done. But when it comes to food items, you must pay attention to details. Here are some tips to guide you:
Go with the theme
A great place to start is complementing the theme. Cocktail parties need a different food menu than a family get together. Hence, coordinating your menu with the party theme is important. This helps you choose food items with specific colour schemes to make exotic presentations. You may also go with dedicated cuisines to set the tone for the entire party.
Consider budget
Before you realise it, you may go over the budget with the food items. The seemingly harmless inclusions add up to the cost. Hence, refer to your budget while planning the menu. It allows you to adjust wherever needed. For instance, reduce the snack options and increase the meal varieties and vice versa based on the cost. You should also consider the drinks during this calculation. Order beverages online to increase savings.
Refer guest list
It is essential to have enough food for all the guests. Having a guest leave hungry is the worst thing imaginable. Hence, crosscheck your guest list before setting the quantity. Always keep it on the higher end to stay on the safe side. Another advantage of referring to the guest list is understanding the demographics. You can plan the menu accordingly for kids, adults, vegetarians, non-vegetarian lovers, etc.
Understand serving method
Most people ignore this aspect, but it significantly impacts the experience. Depending on the party you plan, choose a suitable serving style. For a casual affair, a station serving or passing around is acceptable. But for a formal event, seating requirements are necessary. Determining this beforehand lets you plan the items on the menu accordingly. This also enables you to distribute the wedding anniversary cake appropriately.
Food considerations
Other than the taste and liking of the guests, also think about their health considerations. Are they diet conscious? Do they have any allergies? Are they picky eaters? These questions help you plan an inclusive menu for all.
