Serve light food for a luncheon date.
Gather a group of your closest girlfriends and host a luncheon to catch up on gossip and enjoy each other's company, or plan an event to honor a close family member or friend. Luncheons are an elegant way to say "lunch;" however, because of the more formal wording, the hostess must present her lunch in style. Plan the afternoon to reflect a chic lunch between friends or a sophisticated event to honor someone special.
Instructions
Hosting a Small Group
1. Compile a list of potential guests to invite to the luncheon. Luncheons typically take place in the early to late afternoon; therefore, plan your list to work around the different work or family schedules of your friends. A Saturday or Sunday may work best for most people, according to Betty Crocker.
2. Plan the menu and keep the fare light and simple. Easy-to-make food choices include finger sandwiches, salads, and light appetizers such as fruit, dips and chips. You may also create a menu around a theme such as a Mexican fiesta luncheon where you set up a taco bar. Drinks should reflect the mood of the luncheon. Flavored water, lemonade and tea work well. Alcohol is not inappropriate for a luncheon; however, stick with lighter wine choices or a sweet spiked punch instead of hard liquor.
3. Decorate your area. While decorations are not necessary, it does add to the intimacy of the luncheon. Bring tables and chairs outside on a garden patio in your backyard and place a vase full of fresh flowers in the center. Hang streamers around an outdoor terrace or wrap flowers around a trellis to add to the d cor. Since the luncheon will be during the day, there is no need to have false lighting. Set the dining area away from distractions such as a ringing home phone or the noisy street.
Hosting an Event
4. Gather the names of guests. The guest list for an event will be larger than a gathering of a small group of friends. You'll want to know exactly how many people to expect so you can prepare the food, drinks and seating arrangements ahead of time.
5. Send invitations and request a response date. Ask guests to respond at least a week prior to the luncheon so you have time to shop and accommodate guests that may respond late.
6. Decide on the menu you want to prepare. Keep the fare light and simple, especially if you're preparing everything yourself. Food can include finger sandwiches, soups and salads. Drinks may include sweet tea, coffee and lemonade. Dessert can be a simple cake. Set the food up on a table either outside or just inside the house for guests to help themselves.
7. Move the luncheon outside to accommodate a large amount of people. Weather depending, you can set up a large tent for shade or simply have the luncheon on a cool day. Set tables up to accommodate your guests comfortably.
8. Decorate the area to reflect the theme. Possible decorations include streamers, balloons and fresh flowers. Bridal showers and baby showers may need an additional area for gifts.
Tags: event honor, fare light, fare light simple, finger sandwiches, fresh flowers