Balancing your menu is one of the most important things to do when planning your menu, so that everyone enjoys each course. Here are my tips!
Start with the main course, your hero dish and build the menu around this dish.
If the main course is rich, creamy or heavy in any way make sure your starter and dessert are very light.
If you are serving a spicy main course like a curry, then I always will serve a palate cleansing dessert like a lemon posset, ice cream or sorbet.
If I am serving a meat or fish dish as main course I will usually start with a fresh salad or light chilled soup, so that everyone’s palates are fresh for ready for the feast.
Always have one course that sings the seasons, even if it is a simple ice cream with a blackberry syrup, or a seasonal simple tomato salad.
Texture plays such a big party on a menu, mix crunchy ingredients like nuts or croutons with softer, smoother dishes like mashed potatoes or a creamy soup.
Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance to reduce stress on the day of the party. I always have at least 1 maybe 2 courses that I can make the day before.
For lots of recipe inspiration head to our entertaining recipe page here!
Clodagh x
