Everyone enjoys a good summer party. Whether it’s scheduling a barbecue for your closest friends, or finding the best food truck rentals in Montgomery County, PA, for the whole community, everyone looks forward to opportunities to mingle when the weather’s warm.
But there are a lot of things that go into a successful party, not the least of which is how to plan a successful menu for all the guests.
Here are some tips on how to plan a great menu for your summer party:
First and Foremost, Check with Your Guests
No matter the size of your party, it’s always a good idea to check with your guests if there are any allergies or special dietary restrictions. While it may be a basic tip, it’s a vital part of planning any summertime menu because of the risks involved with food allergies and special diets. You want to be sure that everyone has a good time, and that becomes difficult if someone isn’t able to enjoy any of the food you made.
Have a Few of the Classics on Hand
Once you have an idea of what people can and can’t eat, it’s time to think about your menu’s core elements. Even the pickiest eater at your summer party will have a hard time complaining if you have some cookout classics on hand, like:
- Hamburgers
- Hotdogs
- Potato Salad
- Green Salads
- Fruit Salad
- Kabobs
Of course, you should modify some of these for those with specific dietary needs, but having as close to these classics on hand will help provide a baseline that will ensure everyone has something to munch on while they mingle.
Let Your Creativity Take the Reins
While you want to make sure everyone has something to eat, that doesn’t mean that you need to kill your creativity and stick only to the classics. You can even create modern spins on some of these canonical dishes, like using kimchi instead of mayo for a new take on coleslaw or using more greens for pasta salad instead of mayo.
Lastly, Think About the Insects
Once you’ve got your menu settled and start cooking, it’s more than likely that you’ll have uninvited guests trying to grab a bite of food or your company, which can put a damper on the festivities. However, you don’t exactly want to spray insect repellent around the food you’re serving, so consider using some natural options, like:
- Mint
- Tansey
- Rue
- Lavender
These serve as natural insect repellants and can add an additional feature to your celebration. If you have a fire pit, you can also burn sage in your pit to help keep your guests from being eaten alive by mosquitos.
If you’re holding a summer party and are interested in finding out more ways to make it something special, or want to find out about party tent rentals in Bucks County, PA, and the surrounding area, give Fun For Everyone a call today!