Living Vegan For Dummies - Alexandra Jamieson [118]
Here are some things to remember for the different types of parties you may have:
Kid parties: Planning parties for children and teenagers requires a few extra steps. Make sure the kids or teens have a say in how the party will look, what music will be played, what the entertainment will be, and what the menu will entail. Buffets are generally the easiest method of feeding a group of kids, so make sure the food isn’t too messy. Offer plenty of ways for the kids to have fun while also making sure they know the rules.
Mixed-age gatherings: These parties need a few extra safety plans. For instance, make sure that any alcohol that’s served is in plain sight at all times. Don’t allow curious kids the chance to sneak into a bar area. Offering snacks and some kind of games or activities for little people can help them feel like treasured guests.
Adult soirees: Adult-only parties can range from totally casual game nights to sit-down multicourse dinners. Be sure to invite guests well in advance so they have time to plan their calendars (and so you have time to make sure you’ve thought of all the supplies you’ll need). Decorating can be as simple or over-the-top as you like; just be sure you give yourself plenty of time the day before the party to clean, set up, and cook your menu.
Here’s a tip that works for any of the preceding types of parties: Rather than cook several different courses, prepare large amounts of a few, great dishes. Doing so can help make your event easier. In fact, many dishes can be made the day before your event, which will ensure that you have enough time to prepare everything. Spend more of your party budget on fresh flowers to add a dash of sophistication.
Figuring out your menu
If you’ve reached your limit on going to parties where you can’t eat anything but raw broccoli and carrot sticks, funnel your frustration to create your own fabulous vegan party menu. Depending on your level of cooking experience, you can prepare simple or complex dishes. Every host and hostess can use the following tips to plan a well-rounded soiree.
Getting started by gathering some recipes
Whether you’re throwing a birthday party for your best friend or having a vegan Thanksgiving dinner for your family, you have countless recipes and menu plans to choose from. Don’t feel hindered by tradition, because any good recipe can be included at any event. Still, you can offer more traditional-style meals to help people feel more comfortable if they’re unsure of vegan food.
If you take a look at a few vegan cookbooks, you’re sure to find at least a dozen recipes suitable for any occasion. Start planning your event by making a list of recipes that you would like to offer. Then look through the vegan cookbooks available at your local bookstore or library. Or check out the Internet, which has countless vegan recipes to choose from.
It’s best to choose an online recipe that has positive reader comments or that’s published on a well-known Web site. You don’t want to try a recipe for a party that wasn’t well written or tested. At the very least, be sure to try a recipe a few times before serving it to guests.
Sticking with traditional and familiar foods
Thanksgiving and traditional larger holiday meals are easier to tackle than you may think. Tofurky has been around for years and offers a full vegan meal, including the turkey-shaped tofu filled with a delicious vegetable and bread stuffing. Most side dishes for Thanksgiving are already vegetable based and shouldn’t be difficult for you to veganize.
Making a vegan version of a food that’s familiar to most people will ensure that your guests are comfortable and enjoy tasting your dishes. Some ideas to offer are a Mediterranean menu of falafels, hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, olives, and baba ghanouj. Another idea is to offer a diner-style