‘Tis the season to invite friends for some holiday cheer and a few nibbles and giggles (how many giggles may be directly linked to the quantity of holiday cheer).
I’m the first to ask guests to bring something to a party, however even I, “Queen of the Pot Luck,” hesitate to ask during the holidays. Not sure why. It just seems un-festive or something. While leafing through the Pier One catalogue last weekend, I discovered the “Tasting Party Collection.” What a great way to put a groovy spin on the traditional pot luck. And, the groovy factor seems to diminish the awkwardness of asking for contributions. Yes, this is how my mind works. So if you’re on a budget, but still want to host a “tasteful”, yet unique holiday party, organize a Tasting Party.
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Here’s how:
Assign each guest a category – drink, savoury appetizer or sweet dessert. Guests can use tasting size serving dishes and spoons or mini martini glasses to present their offering. You don’t have to BUY specific “tasting dishes.” Use ramekins, a muffin tray, shot glasses, small juice glasses, etc. Be creative. Also, dishes don't need to match. Yes, the tasting spoons etc. are cute, but they're not essential.
It’s perfectly ok for guests to bring something store bought. Hello? They’re bringing something right? Hallelujah to that.
Determine how many servings each guest needs to bring. Twelve guests = twelve individual servings.
Offer your friends a “welcome drink” to sip while waiting for everyone to arrive.
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Guests place their contributions on the table as they come in. Once everybody has arrived, have each person say a few words about their food or drink.
Instruct guests to have one of each item throughout the night. They should put back empty spoons, dishes or glasses where they got them from. This way serving items won’t get mixed up or lost and the owner of each grouping of dishes can easily pack them away to take home to wash at the end of the night.
What kinds of food make perfect “tasting portions?” Any recipe that can be easily divided into small servings will work. The Pier One website has some good recipe suggestions with photos.
Happy tasting everybody!
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