Whether you're planning an extravagant get-together for a crowd or a more intimate event with just a few of your closest friends, one of the biggest challenges you will encounter is the shopping beforehand. Party at Home gave Jason and Trinette (guests on the show) $100 each to shop for their respective parties, and event planner and caterer David Merrell accompanies them to offer buying tips and advice. Merrell says that shopping for your party can be fun and rewarding as long as you know what you're shopping for. If you decide on a particular theme for your party, be sure to choose food and beverages that complement and enhance that theme. Jason, who enjoys planning for large parties, has invited 20 guests to an evening of wine tasting, complete with tasty finger foods. His menu consists of shish kebab, garlic bread and shrimp with crackers. In preparation for his $100 shopping spree he has made a shopping list, saved coupons and read through a couple of cooking magazines. Trinette has decided to host a ladies' night for six of her girlfriends and wants to serve elegant hors d'oeuvres and desserts. A plum chicken dish, cold vegetable salad, and pita bread with hummus will serve as delicious appetizers, while different fruit desserts laced with chocolate and nuts will add the final touch to the evening. She intends to follow her short grocery list but will improvise if something else catches her eye. Merrell says that in general, men and women tend to shop a little differently. He maintains that women are usually more concerned with pleasing their guests when choosing menu items, naturally playing the hostess. Men typically choose foods that they most enjoy, and perhaps everyone else will enjoy it as well! Regardless of your particular shopping methods, $100 can purchase all you need for a fabulous party if you follow some of Merrell's helpful hints: - The best way to stretch your budget is to be flexible. Be willing to change your shopping list if certain items are on sale.
- Keep your menu simple and make the dishes yourself to save money. You can keep all your guests happy by preparing foods that can use meat and tofu (or any other vegetarian ingredient) alternatively.
- Buying generic brands will always save money.
- Prepare dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in bulk.
With careful planning and wise shopping habits you can host a party that is sure to be a success!
GUESTS :
David Merrell
Caterer/Event Planner
An Original Occasion
810 N. Orange Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 213-467-2111
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