A friend was throwing a dinner party and so determined that everyone would enjoy themselves he turned the whole affair into a Vegetarian meal in order to pacify the three out of ten who were veggies.  At the last minute the veggies didn’t turn up … annoying.

Desperate to get it right I did some research and was inspired by the headline “easy to make dishes that anyone can eat”.  I was NOT so impressed by the recipe that followed for Lemony Herbed Quinoa & Chickpea Salad – really hard to make!  Mind you, no party should be without healthy options.  Colourful vegetables should be a staple on any buffet table and you might like to include a low fat dressing and some baked pita bread.

It’s important that guests should be able to walk around holding the party food in one hand and their drink in the other.  Allow around six appetisers per person for a drinks party or about ten if the party is lasting all evening.  There should be at least five to six different food choices.  Tasty appetisers could include Ensalata Caprese skewers, Crab wonton cups, warm dates with goat’s cheese and Parma ham, creamy dips and potato wedges.  If you fancy have more of a table centre dish, why not consider fondue or chocolate fountain?  Fondue is not always easy, but very well received and a seafood fondue in particular is always a winner!

If your party evolves and you find yourself desperate to provide food at a moment’s notice, turn to chicken wings, mini hot dogs, mini muffins, cream cheese and tortilla dips, sausages and meatballs.  No one will complain!