Hosting a party can be a fun way to gather friends and family together for a special occasion or just for a fun evening. However, one of the key elements of a successful party is providing good food and drinks that will appeal to your guests. When planning the menu for a party, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as what foods will be easy to prepare in quantities, have wide appeal, and can be served at room temperature. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best options for party foods across a variety of categories.
Appetizers and Finger Foods
Having a variety of appetizers and finger foods is a must for any party. These types of foods are easy to eat while standing and mingling. Some great options include:
| Food | Details |
|---|---|
| Cheese and cracker tray | An assortment of cubed cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack paired with crackers makes for an easy crowd-pleasing option. |
| Vegetable crudites | Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, broccoli, and peppers served with a tasty dip. |
| Deviled eggs | Hard boiled eggs filled with a creamy, flavorful egg yolk filling. |
| Meatballs | Bite-sized meatballs in a sauce like barbecue, teriyaki, or Swedish style meatballs. |
| Bruschetta | Toasted bread topped with a mix of chopped tomato, onion, basil. |
Some other great appetizer ideas include mini quiches, fruit kabobs, stuffed mushrooms, chicken wings, bacon wrapped shrimp, and a variety of dips like spinach artichoke, buffalo chicken, or guacamole served with tortilla chips.
Main Dishes
While appetizers are good for snacking, you’ll want to have some more substantial main dishes for a meal at a party. Some options to consider:
| Food | Details |
|---|---|
| Lasagna | Layers of pasta, cheese, and tomato or meat sauce that can be assembled ahead of time. |
| Baked ziti | Ziti pasta mixed with cheese and tomato sauce then baked. |
| Macaroni and cheese | A creamy, cheesy pasta dish, great for kids and adults. |
| Taco / fajita bar | Set up a DIY taco/fajita station with meat, tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa for guests. |
| Pulled pork / chicken | Slow cooked shredded pork or chicken that can be placed in sandwiches or tacos. |
| Baked chicken | Chicken pieces baked with seasoning – easy to make in bulk. |
For a more casual party, mains like pizza, sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs can also be perfect. The key is having a couple heartier food choices to balance out the appetizers.
Sides
Sides are important for rounding out a meal. Some good party side dishes include:
| Food | Details |
|---|---|
| Potato salad | Creamy potatoes mixed with mayo, mustard, onions, eggs, and other veggies. |
| Pasta salad | Bite-sized pasta mixed with dressing, veggies, cheese, and/or deli meat. |
| Garden salad | Lettuce or mixed greens topped with veggies and dressing. |
| Baked beans | Sweet, saucy beans baked with spices and often bacon or ground beef. |
| Cornbread | A nice accompaniment to BBQ or chili. |
| Garlic bread | Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter and herbs. |
Other simple sides like coleslaw, fruit salad, roasted vegetables, chips and dip can also round out a party spread.
Desserts
Desserts are the sweet final touch for any party. Some crowd-pleasing dessert ideas include:
| Food | Details |
|---|---|
| Brownies / Blondies | Rich chocolate or butterscotch brownies and blondies are easy to make in batches. |
| Cookies | Chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies appeal to many. |
| Cupcakes | Fun, single-serve cakes with frosting that come in endless flavor combos. |
| Sheet cakes | A large cake that can be simply frosted and cut into squares. |
| Fruit pies | Classic apple, cherry, or pecan pies. |
Other fun desserts to serve include rice krispie treats, assorted candy, pudding cups, tiramisu, banana pudding, and seasonal options like pumpkin pie.
Beverages
Having drinks on hand is also key. Some beverage options include:
| Drink | Details |
|---|---|
| Sodas | Have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite available. |
| Iced tea / lemonade | Sweetened and/or unsweetened. |
| Fruit punch | A fruity mixed drink made from juices and soda. |
| Coffee / tea | Have regular and decaf coffee ready as well as assorted teas. |
| Wine / beer | Offer at least one white and one red wine plus domestic beers. |
| Water | Ensure plenty of bottled water is on hand for guests. |
For an evening party, consider offering a signature cocktail as well. Having plenty of non-alcoholic options is also important.
Tips for Party Food Success
When planning food and drinks for your party, keep these tips in mind:
- Have a balance of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts – don’t just serve all junk food or sweets.
- Aim for crowd-pleasing foods that will appeal to a variety of tastes.
- Make sure you have enough for all your guests – estimate 1-2 appetizers per person, along with a meal and dessert.
- Prepare foods that can be served at room temperature or easily reheated.
- Keep perishable foods chilled with ice or serve in smaller batches.
- Offer some foods that can be easily eaten standing up with minimal mess.
- Source ready-made options like trays or baked goods from grocery stores/bakeries if time is limited.
- Have a mix of lighter and richer foods – not everything has to be diet or low-calorie.
- Consider any guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions when planning.
- Offer a nice mix of savory, sweet, crunchy, and soft textures and flavors.
With the right assortment of party foods covering appetizers, mains, sides and desserts, your guests will enjoy themselves and leave satisfied. Just be sure to have plenty for the number of attendees and choose items that can be easily served in a party setting. Follow the suggestions in this article and you’ll be on your way to throwing a delicious, memorable party.
Sample Party Menus
Here are some sample party menus covering a variety of options:
Casual Backyard BBQ Menu
- Appetizers: Veggie platter, chips & guacamole, popcorn
- Mains: Hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken
- Sides: Potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw
- Desserts: Brownies, cookies
- Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, soda, beer
Game Day Sports Party
- Appetizers: Wings, meatballs, nachos, spinach dip
- Mains: Pizza, subs, chili
- Sides: Chips, pretzels, veggie platter
- Desserts: Cookies, brownies
- Drinks: Beer, soda
Fancy Cocktail Party
- Appetizers: Cheese board, fruit kabobs, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, crostini
- Mains: Rosemary chicken skewers, egg rolls, mini quiches
- Sides: Crudite platter, olives, nuts
- Desserts: Petit fours, macarons, cake pops
- Drinks: Signature cocktails, wine, sparkling water
Kid’s Birthday Party
- Appetizers: Chips and salsa, veggies and ranch dip, fruit kabobs
- Mains: Chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, pizza
- Sides: Tater tots, jelly sandwiches
- Desserts: Cookies, cupcakes, candy
- Drinks: Juice boxes, Capri suns, soda
These are just a few examples of party menus you could plan based on the occasion and guests attending. Get creative and customize food and drink options to suit the theme and attendees!
Shopping List for Party Supplies
In addition to food and drinks, you’ll need some party supplies on hand. Here’s a shopping list of essentials to pick up:
- Plates, cups, utensils – sturdy plastic or paper plates, cups and utensils (don’t forget napkins!).
- Serving utensils – spoons, tongs, knives for serving food.
- Coolers – for keeping drinks and perishable foods chilled.
- Ice – to fill coolers and keep beverages cold.
- Tablecloths – disposable or plastic covers for tables.
- Decorations – balloons, streamers, banners, floral arrangements.
- Beverage containers – pitchers, drink dispensers, buckets for bottled drinks.
- Food trays/platters – for serving appetizers or desserts.
- Condiments – ketchup, mustard, mayo, hot sauce.
- Storage containers – plastic wrap, foil, bags, Tupperware for leftovers.
Having these supplies will make serving food and drinks much easier. Shop party supply stores, grocery stores, or online retailers like Amazon for the best selection.
Conclusion
Hosting a party means having good food, drinks, and supplies. Appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, and beverages covering a variety of tastes will please your guests. Finger foods, dips, sandwiches, salads, grilled or baked entrees, and simple sweets are all great options. Shop ahead for party serving supplies and extras like decorations, coolers, and condiments. With the right menu planned and supplies ready, you’ll throw a party guests will remember and enjoy.