Classic Party Favorites

Classic Party Favorites

If you've hosted a few parties, you'll know that there's always a bit of pressure to be original. No one wants to see another butterfly party or another cartoon character theme. But sometimes, it's nice to just sit back and put some old-school charm into the mix. Instead of planning exotic menus and buying fancy décor, why not just dish out everyone's favorite dishes and enjoy the good company?

Old favorites become classics because simply because they work. The first rule to follow is to keep things simple: you can add a few creative touches, but nothing too grand or expensive. The point is to put the focus on the food and the company, not the streamers or other decorative elements. If you're on a budget, this is a good way to cut costs while still giving your guests a good time.

Next, decide what you're going to put on the table. Every occasion has a "traditional" menu: cake for birthdays, pumpkin pie for Halloween, turkey for Thanksgiving. By sticking to tradition, you save a lot of planning time while still ensuring a good meal. If you want to be a but different, try tweaking the recipe a little. Adding a new spice or whipping up a new side dish can make a really impressive difference.

Of course, don't forget the dessert—few people would admit it, but it's really what most guests look forward too. Satisfy their sweet tooth with a classic chocolate cake or chiffon cake recipe. Or if you want an easier fix, try making cupcakes instead. Cupcakes are easier to make because they use the same basic ingredients as cakes, but in more manageable portions. Just add some frosting or cake toppers to decorate them, and you've got a nice classic dessert for everyone.

Finally, you should plan out all the little details—the invites, the cutlery, the venue decoration. Again, simple is the way to go. Simply set up a buffet table and create a homemade centerpiece. Disposable plates and forks may be more practical for large parties—they'll save you the dishwashing work and you can choose sets appropriate for the occasion.

About the Author
Simon Burke loves to cook treats for his family. And luckily for us he also enjoys sharing his cooking experiences and recipes with the rest of us. Get more information regarding classic party menu.

Delicious Bookmark this on Delicious