Have A Tasting Party For Your Next Gathering

By Douglas Patterson


Often a nice gathering at home with a few friends is better than going out to a nightclub or places where people go to unwind. For one, most of the guests have something in common with the host and maybe they work in the same industry. Also, there is usually not a lot of formality that comes with having a nice cozy gathering, like a tasting party.

The great thing is that there is no theme for tasting amongst friends, as the party can reflect the personal style of the host. A gathering where tasting is the focus may be about wine, beer, or tapas to be sampled. If the host is a fan of any particular food or drink, they may have a wide selection of brands they want to share with others.

Some hosts may requests that guests bring their favorite item but enough to share with others. The more unusual or tasty, the more it can liven things up. If those in attendance are foodies, people may be willing to share recipes or merchant information as a way to get better acquainted with others.

For instance, a person may have a gathering where international coffee types are served. Depending on the crowd, miniature desserts or appetizers may be served. In some cases, the host may want to try ordering or making pastries that originated from the country the coffee originated. The time of day can also play a role in what types of food to serve.

For parties that focus on coffee or tea, miniature sized pastries are ideal for the morning and early evening, since most people have already had their last meal for the day. Sometimes, savory items may be preferred, especially in groups of mixed gender. Usually tastings are intended to be just a taste of an edible but it may be more fitting to prepare guests for a light meal if the gathering is being held during the lunch or dinner hour.

While a tasting session may offer small portions, there are ways to assure that every guest is satisfied without breaking the bank. A host can count on at least one guest making a small meal for themselves so there should be enough food to go around for everyone. If it is possible to serve items that do not contain meat or seafood, this is one option.

By using starches like rice, potatoes, or pasta, a host may consider miniature mac and cheese cupcakes or stuffed peppers with beans and salsa. Artisan breads with dipping oil are another popular choice, either alone or as complement to a tasting theme. For the person that is learning their way around the kitchen, instant carbohydrate staples that come already seasoned in a box are great timesavers.

Presentation is another area of concern, as a fancy display may be lovely but not practical for every crowd. If people have to reach across the meatball tray to get a miniature cannoli, a linear setup may be best. For the person that likes to make their own crafts, they can make their own fancy stands. Another alternative would be to shop thrift stores to find objects that can hold large plates or platters meant for serving,




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