Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party: Menu Planning and Entertaining Tips

Are you gearing up to host a memorable dinner party? Whether it's a casual gathering of friends or a more formal affair, the key to success lies in meticulous planning and thoughtful execution.

From crafting a tantalising menu to creating a welcoming atmosphere, every detail counts. 

In this guide, we'll explore the art of hosting the perfect dinner party, focusing on menu planning and entertaining tips to ensure your event is a resounding success.

1. Set the Scene: Creating the Ambiance

Before even getting into planning your menu, take a moment to consider the ambiance you want to create for your dinner party. The right atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable evening. Here are a few tips to help you set the scene:

Lighting: Opt for soft, ambient lighting with candles (consider electric candles for safety) or dimmable fixtures to create an inviting atmosphere. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, which can feel too bright and sterile.

Music: Choose a playlist that complements the mood you want to evoke, whether it's upbeat and lively or mellow and relaxed. Keep the volume at a level where guests can comfortably converse without having to shout over the music.

Décor: Enhance your table setting with simple yet elegant décor elements such as fresh flowers, textured table linens, and decorative accents. Consider incorporating seasonal touches or a cohesive theme to tie everything together.

2. Craft the Perfect Menu

Now comes the most exciting part: planning the menu. The key is to strike a balance between showcasing your culinary skills and accommodating your guests' preferences and dietary restrictions. Here's how to craft a winning menu:

Consider Dietary Restrictions: Before finalising your menu, inquire about any dietary restrictions or food allergies among your guests. Offering a few vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options ensures everyone can enjoy the meal without worry.

Plan a Diverse Menu: Aim for a well-rounded menu that includes a mix of appetisers, main courses, sides, and desserts. Incorporate a variety of flavours, textures, and cooking techniques to keep things interesting.

Keep it Seasonal: Take advantage of seasonal ingredients to infuse your dishes with freshness and flavor. Not only does this enhance the taste of your creations, but it also adds a touch of seasonal flair to your menu.

Drinks: Your dinner party can be dry, that is to say no alcohol will be served, or wet,with alcohol served. Make sure that you cater for the tastes of your guests and that the wines you serve will match the courses and foods served. Beers are another option to consider.

Preparation is Key: Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance or require minimal last-minute assembly. This allows you to spend more time socialising with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

3. Master the Art of Entertaining

With the ambiance set and the menu planned, it's time to focus on being the ultimate host or hostess. Here are some tips to ensure your guests have a fantastic time:

Be Welcoming: Greet each guest warmly as they arrive and make introductions if necessary. Offer them a drink and encourage mingling to foster a convivial atmosphere.

Stay Organised: Keep track of the timing of each course to ensure a seamless dining experience. Delegate tasks as needed, whether it's serving drinks, clearing plates, or refilling glasses.

Engage Your Guests: As the host, it's your responsibility to keep the conversation flowing and ensure everyone feels included. Pose interesting questions, share anecdotes, and encourage guests to share their own stories.

Stay Flexible: Despite your best efforts, things may not always go according to plan. Stay calm, adapt to any unexpected hiccups, and focus on enjoying the company of your guests.

Hosting the perfect dinner party requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a generous dose of hospitality. By creating the right ambiance, crafting a delicious menu, and mastering the art of entertaining, you can ensure an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. So go ahead, send out those invitations, and get ready to dazzle your friends with a night to remember. Cheers to good food, great company, and memorable moments!

Shopping at Aldi? Here are their August Bank Holiday opening hours

Aldi has announced its opening times for the August Bank Holiday.

Aldi's branches will open as normal Saturdays and Sunday. But stores will be open in England and Wales from 8am until 8pm on Monday 28th August, but opening hours in Scotland will remain unchanged (8am – 10pm).

However, customers are advised that the opening times of some stores could vary, and they're advised to  visit Aldi’s website to check their local store's opening times.

Aldi report that they have everything shoppers will need for a stunning Bank Holiday, due to its fabulous range of delicious food and drink.

From BBQs and picnics to garden gatherings and soirees, shoppers will be able to can cater for any long weekend plans with Aldi's stupendous range of fresh meat, vegetarian and vegan options, sides, snacks, sweet treats and drinks, all at amazing Aldi prices, too!

And Click and Collect is also available to customers at some 200 Aldi stores. Customers at select stores can visit groceries.aldi.co.uk to browse the supermarket’s range online and book a timeslot for collection, where all of their shopping will be brought to their cars and loaded into their boots by Aldi colleagues.

www.aldi.co.uk

Cocoba Chocolate introduces Halloween themed chocolate treats

For those of us who like to plan ahead, here's some news from Cocoba. 

Cocoba, the Kent-based chocolate company renowned for producing truly irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched this year’s Halloween range.

The delicious sphere-shaped Halloween “Hot Chocolate Bombes” are handmade from luxurious Belgian chocolate and will be truly bursting with special hidden treats from jellies to marshmallows. 

Flavours available will include orange hot chocolate and unique spooky green hot chocolate. These Halloween delights are available as a pack of three for £9.95.

Cocoba’s Belgian chocolate Halloween themed lollipops at £1.95 each are also ideal for little trick or treaters or to share if you're planning to host a Halloween party. For children or adults!

 From orange flavoured pumpkin lollipops to ghoulish ghost chocolate lollipops, Cocoba’s Halloween range has something for everyone.

And for a cosy night in the tasty “Hot Chocolate Spoons” are an absolutely ideal accompaniment, by simply adding some delicious steaming milk the chocolate melts to create a very special warming drink. 

The spoons are made with only the best quality indulgent Belgian chocolate and sold individually for £3.50.  Flavours will include a milk chocolate spoon with a white chocolate ghost and a block of orange flavoured chocolate served with a helping of mini marshmallows.

Cocoba Chocolate have crafted a nicely wicked range of Halloween treats for everyone to enjoy.  Please visit Cocoba Chocolate’s website for more information including the chocolate vegan product range.

www.CocobaChocolate.com

Cocoba’s chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolates.

Cocoba’s range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com as well as Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, independent farm shops, delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more, besides  All products are handmade in Kent. 

By the way, sign up for their mailing list and you'll get10% off and also free delivery on orders over £35.

Instagram: @cocobachocolate

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Web: https://www.cocobachocolate.com

Time to party with Double Dutch

With Google searches for summer party ideas up by 22%, Double Dutch has created a party pack for larger get-togethers, smaller gatherings and everything in between.

2023 is set to be the year of summertime get-togethers, thanks to the glorious weather predictions for what some are saying will be the hottest year on record, the producers of award-winning premium tonic and mixers Double Dutch, are set to be a part of your party, no matter the time, occasion or location with the launch of its exciting and utterly brandnew party packs.

With searches for summer parties already up 22% versus 2022 and the #SummerVibes hashtag on TikTok continuing to increase in popularity, Double Dutch wants to double expectations of every get-together and help create the ultimate party for everyone to enjoy, to make summer 2023 the best ever.

Double Dutch co-founders, Joyce and Raissa de Haas are known for bringing the party to any day of the week, adding personality to drinks with Double Dutch's wide range of unexpected dual-flavoured mixers. 

The Ultimate Party Starter Pack contains all the ingredients required to create the perfect summer serves, -Cucumber Cooler pairs Masons Original Gin and the fresh fruity flavourful Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon mixer, whilst the Pink Paloma pairs the intensely rich, sweet and citrusy Pink Grapefruit Soda and El Rayo Tequila which complement each other perfectly. 

Get the party started with The Ultimate Party Starter Pack

There's no need to wait for the big occasions to get that party feeling going!. As searches for at-home parties increase by nearly a third (29%) month on month, just add Double Dutch to reinvent hosting friends and family with The Ultimate Party Starter Pack.

Containing all the essential ingredients to host a party for up to 24 very lucky people, each pack contains full-sized bottles of El Rayo Tequila and Masons Original Gin, alongside a case of Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon and Pink Grapefruit Soda, plus cups, cocktail garnishes, recipe cards, biodegradable face glitter and confetti cannons. 

The Ultimate Party Starter Pack will feature products worth in excess of £150, and is on sale for £94.99, available from the Double Dutch website: https://doubledutchdrinks.com. (Which seems like a real bargain to us at That's Food and Drink!)

For those just looking for the perfect mixer to pair with the spirits, try the Summer Party Mixer Pack by Double Dutch which contains x5 Cucumber & Watermelon mixers and x5 Pink Grapefruit Sodas for £20.15, available from the Double Dutch website.  

What does The Ultimate Party Pack contain?: 

x1 case (24 200ml bottles) Double Dutch Cucumber & Watermelon mixer 

x1 case (24 200ml bottles) Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda 

x1 70cl bottle of El Rayo Tequila 

x1 70cl Masons Original Gin 

x24 Premium double walled Double Dutch paper cups

x24 wooden stirrers

x24 cocktail sticks for garnish

x1 recipe card

x4 confetti cannons

Face glitter (for up to 24 people) 

If you want to stock Double Dutch, email sales@doubledutchdrinks.com.

(The image used is courtesy of Ferla Paolo Photography)

Nip down to Morrisons to find out how you can celebrate the Coronation!

Morrisons stores are helping their shoppers to get royalty ready for the King’s Coronation with a limited edition range that offers all the essentials for this year’s celebrations including decorations, British flowers, and quintessentially British sweet treats – from just 99p.

Highlights include:

“Party Like a Royal” Giant Cookie, £7.00

Red, White and Blue Bouquet, £7.99

King Charles Waving Flags, £2.50 

Continental Grazing Box, Savoury Gazing Box and Spicy Grazing Box, £10.00 each

The range will begin launching in stores and online throughout April, so customers will have plenty of time to get their hands on these royal luxuries. But do remember to use your My Morrisons App!

Also, there will be a tempting range of other foods and also drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic that will help your Coronation Party go with a really regal swing!

www.morrisons.com

Making cocktails this Christmas season? Make sure the answer is 1870!

Available to buy in Waitrose and priced at a very modest 89p for a 1 litre bottle, 1870 Mixers are the ultimate soft drink for a touch of luxury at home without a hefty price tag! 1870 Mixers can be enjoyed on their own over ice, or as the finest accompaniment to alcohol.

1870 are excited to announce the transformation of their classic mixer range, complete with exquisite flavours from around the world to compliment their pure Kentish spring water.

All of 1870’s seven varieties are made with pure spring water, bottled at source in Kent's Garden of England to deliver optimum taste and refreshment, in keeping with the brand’s heritage as a Great British mixer.

1870 have endeavoured to source the finest natural ingredients from around the world, to ensure a perfectly cosmopolitan blend of flavours. From Lemonade blended with Argentinian lemon oil and Ginger Ale made with fiery African ginger, to crisp Tonic created from the finest Brazilian essential oils, 1870 mixers have all been expertly blended using premium ingredients to deliver optimum taste. The range of seven variants can be enjoyed on their own as a refreshing drink, or as the finest accompaniment to alcohol. (EDITOR: And there's real Quinine in the Tonic Water!)

1870 are the original premium British mixers and the ultimate drink for entertaining, a special occasion, or simply relaxing of an evening. Grab a tall glass, plenty of ice and a dash of alcohol if you wish, for an exquisite taste sensation every night of the week.

For details visit www.1870mixers.co.uk

Available in 7 varieties – Tonic Water, Tonic Water Light, Soda Water, Bitter Lemon, Lemonade, Lemonade Light and Ginger Ale

Available in selected Waitrose stores nationwide, as well as all good independent and wholesale stores.

·         1870 is made by Silver Spring, one of the UKs largest independent soft drinks manufacturers. Founded in Folkestone , Kent in 1870. (EDITOR: Hence the 1870 name!)

·         All varieties are made with pure spring water from the Silver Spring in Kent .

·         Cocktails served at the ‘Around the World with 1870’ launch event were expertly blended with the following premium spirit brands: Crystal Head Vodka, Teichenne Kiwi, Four Roses Bourbon, Teichenne Raspberry, El Dorado 7, Teichenne Peach, El Dorado, Teichenne Apple, Goldschlager.

EDITOR: What about the all important question? Which is: What do they taster like? Extremely good. They compliment the spirit/s you are mixing them with, without overpowering the taste of the spirits, yet are strong enough to be ideal for serving chilled, as they come, over ice for a refreshing and non-alcoholic drink.)

Spruce Up Your Festive Feasts With Castle MacLellan's Luxury Pâtés

Castle MacLellan is offering food lovers top tips on how to make festive entertaining easier, but just as indulgent, with a selection of mouth-watering recipe and canapé ideas using their luxurious premium pâtés.

Made from the finest Scottish ingredients, sourced from local independent producers, Castle MacLellan’s core range of pâtés comes in five delicious varieties, ideal for hassle free Christmas feasts and New Year party snacks.  Each flavour provides simple recipes to inspire quick and easy dishes and stylish, flavoursome canapé suggestions.

Rannoch Smoked Duck Pâté with Bramley Apple Jelly - A deliciously smooth duck liver pâté with pieces of Rannoch smoked duck, complemented by locally produced Bramley apple jelly and aromatic tarragon

Chicken Liver Pâté with Scottish Heather Honey - A smooth, rich and creamy chicken liver pâté enhanced with the sweetness of Scottish heather honey

Scottish Smoked Salmon Pâté with Lemon Juice and Horseradish - A blend of Scottish smoked and poached salmon, enriched with cream, lemon juice and horseradish

Luxury Orkney Crab Terrine with Lemon Juice and Galloway Mustard - A luxurious blend of Orkney crab enriched with créme fraiche and enhanced with lemon juice and locally produced Galloway mustard

Oven Roasted Mushroom Pâté with Garlic & Thyme - A rich, creamy, oven roasted mushroom pâté made with full fat soft cheese and créme fraiche, and seasoned with a hint of garlic and thyme (suitable for vegetarians).

For hosts who want to impress with their festive banquets, Castle MacLellan pâtés can be used to create impressive but easy to prepare dishes and warming winter fare.  The on-pack  suggestions feature mouth watering recipe ideas such as Mini Duck En Croutes With Beetroot Chutney or Orkney Crab Spring Rolls.

The luxury pâtés are also great served as a snack straight from the fridge, making ideal and stylish canapés for New Year celebrations. Simply top artisan oatcakes, blinis and brioche with your favourite flavours or serve sandwiched between palmiers or smothered on fresh crusty bread.

Castle MacLellan has been making the finest fresh luxury pâtés since 1982 and is dedicated to sourcing the very best local ingredients from small, independent companies rooted in Scottish heritage and provenance. The company remains an established and trusted brand, working with a number of local suppliers, which include Rannoch Smokery and The Orkney Fisherman’s Society.

Castle MacLellan pâtés are available in supermarkets throughout the UKincluding ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose as well as independent stores priced from around 99p to £2.35.

For more details and recipes please visit www.castlemaclellan.co.uk

Shloer has new taste of summer drink for your summer days

Now you can make the perfect Summer’s day even better by drinking Shloer’s brand new Summer Fruit Punch. The limited edition flavour is light and fruity and is ideally refreshing on a sunny day.

Ideal for the grand garden party, or simply enjoyed at a Sunday Social barbecue, Shloer’s Summer Fruit Punch is best served ‘dressed to impress’. Conjure up the typical tastes of summer: mint leaves, slices of orange and cucumber and fresh juicy strawberries, all served in a jug over ice – perfect for sharing.

The natural alcohol alternative

Shloer uses only the finest ingredients to create a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. All varieties make a tasty grape-based alternative to alcohol, suitable for all the family - including those who want to enjoy the Summer social circuit without drinking alcohol. Shloer contains no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavourings and is available from all major supermarkets.

Best served shared – on any occasion

Shloer’s Summer Fruit Punch will add a little sparkle to any social gathering planned or impromptu: That might be sharing with friends during one of the many Spring bank holidays or serving at a wedding or a Royal Wedding street party.

Entertaining Inspiration

If the warm weather (or the thought of it) has left you longing to get a group of friends together but you need inspiration with your menu, then you might like to check out The Shloer Sunday Cookbook, you'll find it at the official Shloer Facebook page, www.facebook.com/shloer

The recipes you’ll find there are created by devoted Shloer fans themselves, around a ‘simple and sharing’ principle.

Share recipes and win

It’s easy to contribute your own tasty dishes, or vote for your favourites on their Shloer Sunday Cookbook, either way you have the chance to win some fabulous prizes such as cookery lessons with an expert chef.
A flavour for everyone

Shloer is available in White Grape, Red Grape, Rose, Apple & White Grape, White Grape, Raspberry & Cranberry, White Grape & Elderflower and new Summer Fruit Punch - RRP £2.29

Royal Wedding Street Party Necessities from Ginsters

As Britain prepares for the most high profile Royal Wedding since Charles and Diana, Cornish savoury pastry brand Ginsters has a great selection of party treats to choose from for celebrations taking place across the nation to mark the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th. (EDITOR: So, why bother making sandwiches for 20 guests when you can Ginsters to cater fro your Royal Wedding bash?!)

Whether seeking sandwiches for traditional themed British tea parties, or wholesome snacks to feed street party masses, no celebration should be without new Ginsters Spicy Pork Roll. Adding a hot twist to a British party staple, Ginsters Spicy Pork Rolls are made with locally sourced fresh British sausage meat stuffed full of aromatic jalapenos and Cajun spices. These delicious rolls can be easily sliced into bite-size chunks for the perfect party finger food.

The obligatory sandwich platter is a must at your celebratory bash, so why not set the scene by offering a mouthwatering selection of Egg and Cress, Chicken and Mayo, Ham and Cheese or the more exotic new Cheddar and Chilli Jam sandwiches. For traditional party goers, why not try the quintessential Ginsters Tuna and Cucumber sandwich, ideal enjoyed with a nice cup of tea.

Pie lovers will love this yummy new twist on the classic pork pie, with a hint of cheese and pickle, Ginsters Mini Ploughman’s Pork Pies are easily munchable and supply two mini mouthfuls in each pack, more than enough to feed hungry guests at any street party shindig.

For those seeking time-honoured British cuisine, Ginsters is launching a delicious special edition Cheddar and Bacon pasty, just in time for the Royal nuptials. Bursting with flavour, this creamy cheddar and crispy bacon pasty filling is ideal for snacking and sharing with family and friends while celebrating the Royals’ big day.

For more information about Ginsters, please visit: http://www.ginsters.co.uk.

FACTFILE: These are some of the available delicacies from Ginsters:-
Ginsters Spicy Pork Roll pack RRP£1.59
Ginsters Egg and Cress sandwich RRP£1.79
Ginsters Chicken and Mayo sandwich RRP£2.69
Ginsters Ham and Cheese sandwich RRP£2.69
Ginsters Cheddar and Chilli Jam sandwich RRP£2.19
Ginsters Mini Ploughman’s Pork Pies RRP£1.59
Ginsters Cheddar and Bacon pasty RRP£1.99