Pinterest has completely transformed the way people plan and
host events. Now, there’s a whole new expectation for how your parties and
luncheons will go, because your guests have seen how others have pulled it off
on Pinterest. This new standard can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s not
impossible to meet. If you’re planning a luncheon, and you want it to be
totally Pinterest worthy, then follow these tips.There’s one thing that all of those party-related Pins have in common: They all have a theme. A theme can really tie an event together and make it into something memorable, rather than just a casual get-together. The right theme will be one that has meaning to you and your guests. Because a luncheon is more casual than a dinner party, feel free to choose something fun and light-hearted. Then, let your theme guide the rest of your decisions in planning your luncheon.
Plan the Food
Obviously, lunch is a major part of any luncheon, so it’s important that you select the food you will serve with care. Generally, you want the fare to be a bit lighter than you might serve at dinner, so avoid heavy foods that are going to leave your guests feeling groggy. To really make an impression, make sure you serve several courses. Here are a few suggestions:
· Appetizer: Start with a light salad. Make it
sweet by tossing romaine lettuce and spinach with berries and candied nuts. Or,
go savory with crisp veggies, beans, etc. Make sure the toppings are evenly
distributed, and all extra moisture is removed with a salad spinner; nobody likes a
soggy salad.
· Main Course: Try tying your main course in with
your luncheon theme. A few options might include Jamaican jerk chicken, roasted
fish, or turkey wraps. Remember that you can always tie the theme in via the
way you present the food, if you can’t find a way to tie the theme to the food
itself.
· Dessert: A Pinterest-worthy luncheon will always
include a dessert! So don’t let your guests leave without serving something
sweet. Don’t think that it has to be a complex dish to be worthy of a Pin.
Something as simple as a fruit tart or pound cake can really make an
impression. Try to serve a dessert that can be prepared well in advance, so you
don’t have to go in and bake while your guests are present.
· Drinks: When selecting drinks for your party,
try to avoid heavy wines or hard liquors. Remember, it’s the middle of the
afternoon; you don’t want things to get too out of hand! If you do opt for
alcohol, stick with something light and minimal, like a white wine or gently
spiked punch.
Pulling off a memorable luncheon relies heavily on proper
planning and preparation of the food. So make sure you have the tools you need
to get enough food ready at just the right time. You might want to invest in
some extra mixing
bowls, which can help with food prep while doubling as serving bowls at the
party.
Decorations are where you can really bring out the selected theme for your luncheon. But don’t think you have to go over-the-top to get the message across. Keep it subtle—sometimes, it’s better to hint at the theme than to give it away. For example, if you’ve selected a Wonderland theme for your luncheon, you might decorate the table with teacups, miniature top hats, and pocket watches. This sends the message of the theme without putting a giant Cheshire cat in the middle of the table.
Plan Activities for Children
If you’re inviting your guests to bring their children along, you’ll want to make sure there are activities for the kids to do. They won’t want to sit and linger through their parents’ after-lunch chats. By having some activities for the kids, you’ll keep them happy while allowing their parents to stay and talk for a bit longer, rather than having to rush their bored, cranky children home.
Finally, the most important part of a great luncheon is that you get to be a part of it. Don’t get so caught up in having the perfect party that you forget to enjoy it yourself! Make sure your food is prepped beforehand, and requires very little last-minute prep. Save the cleanup for after your guests have left. Join in the conversations, spark debates, and maybe even break out a deck of cards. Just be present, and make sure you enjoy your luncheon just as much as your guests do.
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