You've been tasked with hosting a party, but you're stumped on what to serve. Don't worry, we've got you covered! With our party menu planner, you can plan your menu in just 5 minutes. Say goodbye to party planning stress and hello to a delicious spread that will impress your guests.
Tips for a Stress-free Party Menu, Even with Allergies
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Groups of 3: When planning your menu, aim for 3 options each of proteins, carbs, produce, and desserts. Decorating experts recommend using odd numbers for a visually appealing spread.
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Allergies: To accommodate guests with allergies, keep one protein simple without breading or sauces (unless they are gluten-free). Use gluten-free spices, include 1 gluten-free carb and dessert, have a veggie tray, and skip the nuts. This will cover many common allergies, and you can make adjustments for less common ones.
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Quick and Easy: Choose flavorful dishes that are simple to put together and require minimal effort. Shrimp tossed in spices and broiled, or quick fried steak or chicken cubes with an easy dipping sauce are crowd-pleasers that won't take up too much time.
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Mini-Size: Take a favorite dish and give it a mini makeover. For example, serve cornbread and chili as cornbread muffin bowls with chili. Your guests will love the novelty.
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Mix it Up: Keep most dishes quick and easy but add a twist. For instance, serve tortilla chips with pineapple mango salsa for a unique flavor combination.
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Make Ahead: Plan some dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. This will help reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the party when the time comes.
Party Menu Plan in Just 5 Minutes
To quickly plan your party menu, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there any allergies?
- Do you have any dishes friends and family rave over?
- What's your budget?
Based on your answers, create a menu consisting of:
- 3 Proteins: Choose from options like shrimp, steak bites, chicken nuggets, L'il Smokies, meatballs, pigs in a blanket, or a charcuterie board with salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni.
- 3 Carbs: Include gluten-free rice crackers, tortilla chips, regular crackers, pretzels, bread, or baguette.
- 3 Dips: Select options that complement the carbs and proteins, such as bruschetta, hummus, dip, cheese spread, salsa, queso, spinach and artichoke dip, honey mustard, or marinara.
- 3 Veggies: Choose a variety of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, celery, radishes, cucumbers, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- 1 Cheese Plate: Pick 3 favorite cheeses like brie, stilton, cheddar, goat's cheese, or swiss. You can also add grapes or olives to enhance the cheese plate.
- 3 Desserts: Include a fruity dessert, a chocolate dessert, and another favorite sweet treat.
- Don't forget to print our Party Menu Food Planner Printable for easy reference.
Handy Products for Your Party Food
Party Menu Suggestions
Appetizers
- Easy Homemade Bruschetta
- Meatballs
- Stuffed Tomatoes (Vegetarian)
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Lemony Green Beans
Desserts
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Maple Sugared Cranberries
- Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies
- Cranberry Ginger Crumble Bars
Love it? Share it! Planning your party menu doesn't have to be stressful when you have our 5-minute party menu planner. Enjoy your party and impress your guests with these delicious dishes.
