How To Host The Perfect English Dinner Party
It’s a special occasion and you’ve decided to host an English dinner party! Here’s a guide on how to host the perfect English dinner party with only the finest and most traditional English dishes.
Choose the Perfect Menu
There are so many classic English dishes you could serve up at your dinner party, so when you’re making your menu, consider some of these delicious dishes.
Starters
Smoked salmon is always a classic option for a starter. Serve it on a crisp cucumber and tomato salad and you have a winning combination. Or, why not serve up some rich Potted Shrimps? Simply spread on toast and enjoy.
Main Course
Your main course is the highlight of any dinner party. But don’t worry, there are so many hearty and delicious options to choose from. A roast with all the trimmings is a classic, and a sure-fire favorite. Or, if you’re not a fan of roasting, try your hand at some classic fish and chips. Not only is it easier to prepare, but it’s always a crowd pleaser.
Accompaniments
No English dinner party is complete without the accompaniments. Apart from regular vegetables, like mashed potatoes, why not offer up some flavorful extras. A cheesy leek tart, or fresh spring greens with nuts, are both great and easy options.
Desserts
For desserts, you can’t go wrong with England’s classic favorite – a traditional English summer pudding of blackberries and raspberries. Simply soak your bread and let the fruit juices soak in for a couple of hours. A traditional trifle and a warm apple crumble are also classic favorites.
Choose the Right Drinks
Drinks are a very important part of any dinner party. Traditional English drinks range from fruity gin to refreshing cider. You could also serve a selection of good wines, like a Bordeaux or a Chablis.
Get Creative with the Decor
When it comes to decorating your home for a dinner party, it’s important to give it a welcoming, yet classic feel. You could start by using floral covers for your chairs and tablecloths, as well as adding some ivy and holly leaves for an English, country-garden feel. Setting the table should be done with prints and colors that evoke the classic English country house look.
Prepare in Advance
The key to a successful dinner party is planning ahead and prepping in advance. Make sure to buy all your ingredients before you begin. If you know what you’re going to serve, make sure to make as much of it as you can the day before. This way, on the day of the party, you’ll be spared from any last-minute rush!
Salt and Pepper the Perfect Amount
While some guests may like their salt, others may not. The solution is to offer some salt and pepper for people to use as they like, instead of salting and peppering your dishes for them. This way, everyone can personalize their dish to their own taste.
Separate Chores and Delegate Tasks
It’s important to make sure everyone is involved in the preparation and hosting of your dinner party. Invite your friends or family to help prepare your dishes by pre-chopping or marinating. You could designate one person to be in charge of setting the table while others make sure they are ready to serve.
Say Cheers
Most importantly, don’t forget to sit back and enjoy your dinner party. Once everyone is seated, ask your guests to raise their glass, and say “cheers!” Once you’ve properly toasted your night, it’s time to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve prepared.
Hosting an English dinner party can be a fun and stress-free experience if you plan ahead. Make sure to choose the right menu and drinks, get creative with decorations and remember to delegate tasks to your friends or family. Finally, once everyone is seated, don’t forget to take the time to enjoy the night with a proper “cheers!”.