Pâtétaining: Between-Meals Entertaining
Planning a summer get together? For a fun change of pace, try ditching the traditional sit-down meal in favor of an appetizer-only party! And don't worry about setting a time - it's more relaxing to indulge "between" meals with an "open house" feel.
Alexian makes it easy to offer tasty treats – our bold flavors are perfect for appetizers. Planning for simple hors d'oeuvres will keep your party stress-free and will allow you to focus on your guests.
Set aside a 3-5 hour window for people to stop by. The number of party appetizers you have on hand should correspond roughly to how many guests you expect.
8-10 guests - 3-5 appetizers
10-12 guests - 5-7 appetizers
20 + guests - 8-10 appetizers
This month's feature tapas ideas provides great appetizer options that all of your guests will enjoy. A few other ideas:
- Create homemade flatbreads with store-bought dough. Made ahead of time, flatbreads are quick and easy to heat up on the grill or in the oven. Be creative with fresh herbs and a variety of cheeses. Add crumbled Pheasant Rosemary Pâté or dollops of Duck Rillette in place of sausage.
- Cut up a croissant into cracker-sized pieces and top with Rillette or Duck Liver Mousse with Cognac for a rich treat.
- Create a simple plate filled with chopped, raw vegetables, pâté, cheeses, breads and cold cuts.
Once your menu is set, it's time to create the perfect environment. Follow these tips to help set the right mood for your casual between-meal summer party.
- Use unique serving vessels in different sizes. Vintage glassware, repurposed vases and assorted old pots are fun options that look different and provide a trendy, yet elegant vibe.
- Fresh flowers and green leaves add a seasonal touch to outdoor tables. Use holiday lights to wrap the table with low-key mood lighting. Different sized and shaped candles are a great way to light up an outdoor serving station, too.
- Don't worry about individual settings – place silverware and napkins in big containers like vintage ice cream buckets or cheese wheels