The Menu
Family-style dining is about letting your guests serve themselves. Instead of serving guests set portions, set the food out in large dishes or use a buffet line. A dinner party is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy home-cooked favorites that evoke memories from a treasured time, such as a family vacation or a traditional holiday dinner. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stick to tried-and-true family favorites. Feel free to try new recipes and experiment with different ingredients—but remember that you’re going for comfort food.
Consider any of your guests’ special dietary needs and include options on the menu. It’s always a good idea to serve a vegetarian dish. Also, if your main course is rich and calorie-laden, consider offering a lighter alternative.
Pick dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Skip any recipes that require a lot of last-minute preparations that take your time away from your guests. If there is any prep work to be done that evening, invite guests to join you in the kitchen. This will only contribute to the homey, casual atmosphere you’re trying to create. Remember to set out lots of appetizers for guests to nibble on before the main dishes are served.
The occasion of your gathering could very well dictate the type of dessert you serve. A birthday party definitely calls for cake. But a friendly winter gathering might call for something warm and filling, like pumpkin or apple pie. Choose something your guests will feel comfortable serving themselves, and that complements the theme of your dinner.