Pâtétaining:
Oktoberfest at Home
Oktoberfest is a festival like no other. While the main event is held each year in Munich, the spirit of the event has spread to every corner of the globe, with each country and city adding their own culture to the celebration.
This October, bring the spirit even closer by hosting an Oktoberfest party of your very own. Like any tradition, Oktoberfest is best celebrated by combining the classics with your own personal touches.
Check out some of our hosting tips for more inspiration:
The Food
A juicy grilled sausage, served on a toasty bun is an essential on any Oktoberfest menu. To bring the flavors to the next level, spread a bit of our Truffle or Spiced Apple Mousse onto the bun.
Roast chicken also makes a great main course. It's easy to make in large batches, and you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't enjoy a perfectly seasoned chicken leg.
When you host a party where guests will be drinking, it's important to make sure there are plenty of finger foods around that help to absorb the alcohol - it makes a merrier time for everyone.
Create a platter of delicious finger foods - soft pretzels, nuts and cubes of pâté, and serve with equally delicious dips. A smoked cheddar beer dip both captures the spirit of Oktoberfest and pairs brilliantly with our pâté.
The Drinks
Beer, of course, is the obvious choice. It's smart to have a range of authentic Bavarian beers and domestic Oktoberfest brews. You can find our tips on beer pairings here.
If you're hosting non-beer drinkers, hard apple cider is a great, seasonal alternative. Despite Oktoberfest being a celebration of beer, Germany is actually a country that takes its wine very seriously. German Rieslings, for instance, have bright apple flavors that cut through the fattiness of sausages and pate.
Apple spritzers and chocolate milk are both fun alternatives to make children, designated drivers, and those who don't drink feel included.
The Details
Fall weather is gorgeous. Take advantage of the natural beauty around you by hosting your Oktoberfest party outdoors. You won't have to worry as much about someone spilling wine on your rug, and there will be plenty of room.
To give your setting an authentic feel, decorate in light blue and white, the colors of the Bavarian flag, where Oktoberfest is held each year. You can also decorate using German flag colors - red, black and yellow.
Simple details, such as beer stein centerpieces, an eye-catching banner or streamers can go a long way to making it feel like a real Oktoberfest.