Isn't it great to be at the beginning? Before the showers, rehearsal and the epic reception....a sweet little gathering to kick it off......an engagement party!
An engagement party is traditionally thrown by the bride's parents, but many gatherings are hosted by the grooms family, friends or the couple themselves. Plan the event within a few weeks to a couple of months after the engagement. The purpose of an engagement party is to introduce family and your closest friends, so keep your list guest list small. Your entertaining style should allow for guests to meet and mingle, so consider appetizers on buffet as an option.
When deciding a buffet appetizer menu, choose foods that are portable, simple to eat and appeal to multiple generations. Even if you know the bride and groom to be, you may not know any special diet and eating patterns of the other guests. Having a varied menu will make your guests feel comfortable.
The following is the menu from an Engagement Party for 40 guests. It offers a balance of hot and cold appetizers as well as many meat free and gluten free choices. More importantly, it's good!
Ginger Sesame Pork Loin Platter with Sesame Noodles
Caprese Skewers
Goat Cheese Tart with Red Onion Marmalade
Roasted Red Pepper Hummas with Pita Chips
Shrimp Gazpacho
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Blue Balls of Fire with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
Petite Stuffed Potatoes
Chicken Potstickers with Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweetened Marscapone Stuffed Strawberries
Arranged on a dining room table these dishes become the centerpiece of the party where best wishes and congratulations add sparkle. The party becomes the kick off for exciting wedding plans and a beginning of a beautiful... celebration marathon!
