Last updated on April 25th, 2025
There’s nothing quite as special as sharing food with those you love, or hope to connect with. Everyone knows there’s nothing quite as calming as a family meal, quite as intimate as cooking for a love interest for the first time, or quite as proud as revealing your centrepiece during a dinner party you’ve hosted.
You share food every time you cook for more than one person. However, it’s also true to say that shared foods, that is, those that are cooked in large batches, shown as a centrepiece, and divided when already on the table can be lovely. From table service vegetables in different silverware boats, to a full-scale casserole that your relative brings you for a winter dinner, what matters is being grateful for what you have in front of you, and never taking it for granted.
If you’re looking for ways to improve sharing food with loved ones and friends, then it’s always nice to consider a few preparatory measures. In this post, we’ll discuss the beauty of shared food, and how to express that whenever you host a meal:
Presentation & Plating
Good presentation and plating can mean everything for serving a dinner party in the best way. Main plates, small presentation plates for side foods like bread and butter, gravy boats, napkins and rings to adequately lay out the cutlery, and dinner mats to help elevate the plate from the table, preventing rings or stains on the tablecloth will make a big difference.
Good presentation is also found through how you decorate the table – never discount the worth of a non-scented candle and flowers. This centerpiece is a talking point but also helps the table stop feeling quite so neutral. Moreover, remember the helpful cutlery or utensils that may be used, like vegetable serving tongs your guests can easily use themselves, a serving fork and knife for cutting through meats, and enough knives and spoons for different courses. Even a humble party can be elevated all the way with such preparation.
Showstopping Central Pieces For Each Course
It’s easier, and also more impressive, to arrange showstopping central pieces for each dish that everyone can enjoy. Of course, more than one of these can be worthwhile if you have vegan or vegetarian friends, as can altering the plan to include everyone.
So for example, a great piece, easily communicable to everyone, might be a great place to start. This might include a seafood tower, a whole-roasted prime rib, and for dessert, 7 layer bars that can be easily portioned and look fantastic thanks to their verticality on the plate.
Those new to hosting dinner parties will find infinitely more comfort and control in creating a central piece for each course as opposed to curating many fine-dishes to begin with, and this way, you can ensure everyone leaves satiated. As such, it’s a great place to start.
Interactive & Self-Serve Foods
Self-serving foods can also be a great way to add some comfort to your dinner party. This is especially true if everyone’s stood around talking to begin with, and refreshments come after the first hour. This might include finger foods such as tasty treats on cocktail sticks, or Spanish tapas designed to bring people together and never prevent the conversation from flowing.
Coupled with some tasty wine or light cocktails, you can prime your guests for a delicious sit-down meal, without having them over-drink or over-indulge before they get started. This can also help erode the initial hunger that leads to restlessness as you put your finishing touches on the meal you hope to serve.
Palate Cleansers
A well-curated dinner party and multi-course meal should always come with palate cleansers. Not all of them do, however, which is why you can really stand out if you implement them into your meal plan and invite people to try them.
You’ve no doubt tried small slices of ginger when eating sushi, which not only helps refresh your palate between each bite, but is incredibly good for you and tastes amazing. Putting together a sorbet, offering citrus slices, mint water or cucumber, and sparkling water can provide this feeling, too.
Such preparations add a touch of class to the event, especially if prepared with good presentation and offered to each guest. Each palate cleanser is also incredibly low-cost to put together, meaning that it’s only around an extra thirty minutes or so of effort to truly wow your guest with the details.
With this advice, you’re sure to become a better host by sharing the beauty of food and your perspective of it.
