Two Open-House Menus

I have such fun planning the foods for small parties—whether open houses at my home, social events at small businesses, or birthday picnics in a park.

These are the menus for two springtime parties hosted at my house in the past couple of years. While some of the foods were purchased and were therefore more sugary than what I would prepare for meals, I tend to make some exceptions for parties. I try to find a balance between the foods that may be most-familiar to people, and foods that may be less-typical but are more nutritious. Most of these foods were relatively quick to make; in general I spend at least five or six hours preparing the foods for a small party. Certainly, one could make more involved appetizers, where every aspect is homemade. Again, I sought a balance between the time I spent on preparation and the foods that would be accessible to a whole range of tastes and styles—for instance, young children, or people stopping by an open house for only a few minutes. I tried to design a menu with a balance of savory foods and desserts; fresh items such as vegetables and filling items such as cheese; soft foods and crunchy foods; baked foods and cool, refreshing foods; basic-looking foods and colorful foods; and a range of flavors yet items that were complementary within a theme.

I always like a centerpiece such as fresh flowers, a pineapple, or a topiary. I like to display things on different heights when practical. And, I like to serve foods in a variety of decorative dishes whose colors promote the food that will be displayed in and around them. These menus are quite simple, really, but perhaps will provide some inspiration for you. I am still learning, and there are endless ways to be creative or to do it better… However, I have found that giving a menu and its display just a small amount of attention usually reaps abundant rewards in the delight and satisfaction of the guests!

After-Dinner Ladies’ Evening

Shortbread made with Dried Lavender

Chocolate Pirouette Cookies

Elderflower Lemonade

White Tea with Peppermint and Rose

Clementines and English Cucumbers in Slices

Boursin {brand} Cheese and Flatbread Crackers

Prosciutto-wrapped Yellow Bell Peppers and Basil

Crustless Quiche Squares

Late Afternoon Open-House

Curry and Masala Spiced Cashews

Sun-dried Tomato & Herbes de Provence Dip for Crackers

Clementines and English Cucumbers in Slices

Prosciutto-wrapped Red Bell Peppers and Arugula

Vanilla Cream Cheese Dip for Strawberries

Shortbread with Caraway Seeds

Petit LU Dark Chocolate Biscuits

San Pellegrino Sparkling Beverages

Iced Peppermint Tea with Orange and Lemon Juice