How to Host a Spanish Tapas Party
Easy Dinner Party Idea for Entertaining Dinner Guests on a Budget
Sep 16, 2008
Tapas, Spanish for “small plates,” parties are easy on the host – and on the wallet. The foods, many of which are prepackaged or can easily come from a can or a jar, are easy to prepare and elegant in their simplicity, not to mention inexpensive. Following are the basic guidelines to hosting your own Tapas party.
Set the Mood for a Spanish Dinner
Tapas comes from Spain -- incorporate some of the bold colors and themes into your decor. Golden yellows, blacks, reds and cobalt blues are all important colors in Spain and can easily and inexpensively be incorporated into your dinner. Set the table with a yellow table cloth and red or blue napkins, or use blue plates and red napkins. Don’t worry if you don’t have a table cloth of these colors – in a pinch, a flat sheet can be used as a table cloth, or even a festive looking blanket.
Set the Scene for a Small Plates Supper
Tapas is a relaxed form of entertaining; let the scene reflect this. Put out the food in advance, buffet-style, and let the background serve as your scene. Places to try include the back deck on a comfortable evening, on the terrace, in the back yard, or even in the family room or dining room.
The Food of Tapas
Tapas is a collection of many different “small bites,” or cold or hot appetizers, and can be as simple as a few different nuts, olives and bread or crackers, or can include several different appetizers and dips for guests to choose from. Start by setting out small dishes of whole pitted olives, small slices of bread with olive oil for dipping, almonds, slices or cubes of cheese, spicy chorizo sausage, and raw vegetables such as cherry or grape tomatoes. For the next course, stuffed mushrooms, scallops, appetizer-sized meatballs, fried calamari and any other hot bites can be served.
Continue with the small bites theme for dessert: mini cupcakes, shot glasses filled with trifles or mousse, or small bowls of melon balls. Toast bread and spread chocolate sauce on it for a tempting treat.
The Drinks Served at a Tapas Dinner
While the traditional complement to Spanish Tapas is chilled sherry, a home made sangria or even red wine can be a good pairing. Hosts should also provide iced water, sparkling water and coffee.
Tapas can be an easy and relaxing way to entertain, and the no-fuss theme can make it easier for you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
 |
