Source: Yahoo!7 NewsMelissa Goodwin, Frugal and Thriving
March 30, 2012, 2:50 pm
While television shows like My Kitchen Rules may leave you thinking you need quail eggs and truffle oil for an impressive dinner party menu, the truth is you can create a top scoring menu for only a few dollars per person.
So here are five steps to hosting a gourmet dinner party that will pass judgement without breaking the budget.
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Step One: Decide on a budget
Related reading: Brand name products vs generics - when to use what
A great budget theme is a ‘cultural’ theme. For instance, an Indian food theme with homemade curries will stretch a small amount of meat to feed many.
Slow cooked curries also require cheaper cuts of meat to get that melt-in-your-mouth flavour. And as a bonus, a slow cooker will save you time as well! Round out your budget menu with inexpensive but tasty vegetables dishes, homemade dhal and rice.
Related reading: How to save money in the kitchen
Step Three: Decide on the dishes you will serve
4. Let meat play a secondary role to vegetables and grains: think kebabs for a BBQ, threaded with vegetables or a winter casserole also packed with vegetables.
5. Finally, when you consider the dishes on My Kitchen Rules, the serving sizes are quite modest. Save money and your guests’ stomach by not super-sizing your courses.
Step Four: Saving on the drinks
However, if you are providing the wine, don’t think that the cheaper wines will be terrible. Taste a few before your dinner party to help you decide and look for specials, dozen or half dozen discounts and cleanskins.
Related reading: How much does your alcohol habit cost you?
Step Five: Planning and Preparation
Write a list of ingredients needed and double check your list before shopping. You will save time and stress if you have all your ingredients on hand.
Finally, don’t forget to plan your presentation (plate styling and garnishes) in advance. Good presentation will make all the difference between an everyday meal and a special one. If you've got a garden don't be afraid to use it for table decorations or even small flowers on the plate to dress up the dish - let your guest know if they are eatable or not!.
You don’t need to spend a fortune hosting an impressive dinner party. With a little planning and creativity your next dinner party will be a hit without breaking your budget.
March 30, 2012, 2:50 pm
While television shows like My Kitchen Rules may leave you thinking you need quail eggs and truffle oil for an impressive dinner party menu, the truth is you can create a top scoring menu for only a few dollars per person.So here are five steps to hosting a gourmet dinner party that will pass judgement without breaking the budget.
Related reading: Brand name products vs generics - when to use what
Before planning your menu, decide on a budget for your dinner party. Your budget doesn’t need to be big – you can save money by being creative with basic ingredients and preparing dishes from scratch rather than using pre-made ingredients.
Related reading: Brand name products vs generics - when to use what
Step Two: Choose your dinner party theme
A theme will help you plan a budget menu and set the mood for the entire party.
When choosing your theme, take into consideration the season - think salads and char-grills in summer and roasts or casseroles in winter, this will save you money.
A great budget theme is a ‘cultural’ theme. For instance, an Indian food theme with homemade curries will stretch a small amount of meat to feed many.
Slow cooked curries also require cheaper cuts of meat to get that melt-in-your-mouth flavour. And as a bonus, a slow cooker will save you time as well! Round out your budget menu with inexpensive but tasty vegetables dishes, homemade dhal and rice.
Finally, create your setting to suit your theme. Raid your cupboards, your garden or explore your local thrift store for a creative table setting. And don’t forget the music; your library is a great place to find free music that sets the mood for your special evening.
Related reading: How to save money in the kitchen
Step Three: Decide on the dishes you will serve
Your appetiser, entree, main and dessert selection will depend on your budget and your theme. You can find lots of inspiration on the internet or in the cookbook section of your library.
Here are a few tips to keep your menu within budget:
1. Focus on simple ingredients and turn them into something special with herbs, spices and homemade sauces. You will save money and create a sensational meal by cooking with produce that is local and in season.
2. Add a touch of class without breaking the budget by including one or two special ingredients like a little goat’s cheese crumbled through a salad.
3. The more food you prepare yourself, the more you will save. A hummus dip, for instance, is quick and easy to make at home, can be made ahead of time and is a fraction of the cost of the store bought variety (and will taste better too).
4. Let meat play a secondary role to vegetables and grains: think kebabs for a BBQ, threaded with vegetables or a winter casserole also packed with vegetables.
5. Finally, when you consider the dishes on My Kitchen Rules, the serving sizes are quite modest. Save money and your guests’ stomach by not super-sizing your courses.
Step Four: Saving on the drinks
The best way to save money on drinks is to allow your guests to bring a bottle of wine.
However, if you are providing the wine, don’t think that the cheaper wines will be terrible. Taste a few before your dinner party to help you decide and look for specials, dozen or half dozen discounts and cleanskins.
Another option is to serve a theme appropriate punch or cocktail. For instance, the Spanish Sangria with fruit and soda water will make your wine go further, save you money and impress your guests.
Related reading: How much does your alcohol habit cost you?
Step Five: Planning and Preparation
Write a list of ingredients needed and double check your list before shopping. You will save time and stress if you have all your ingredients on hand.
Next, avoid kitchen disasters by writing down all the steps involved in creating your whole menu and when you will do each step. By choosing dishes that you are familiar with and can be prepared in advance, you will spend more time enjoying the company of your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Finally, don’t forget to plan your presentation (plate styling and garnishes) in advance. Good presentation will make all the difference between an everyday meal and a special one. If you've got a garden don't be afraid to use it for table decorations or even small flowers on the plate to dress up the dish - let your guest know if they are eatable or not!.
You don’t need to spend a fortune hosting an impressive dinner party. With a little planning and creativity your next dinner party will be a hit without breaking your budget.
Related reading: 10 Things you should never pay full price for
Source: Melissa Goodwin is the creator of the Australian frugal website FrugalandThriving.com.au, where you can find more tips on frugal living.
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