- Home
- Recipes
- Special Occasions
- Wine & Cheese
Wine & Cheese 
TopHow to Host a Tasting Party
.jpg)
Company’s coming and you need new ideas? Try something original: Host a tasting buffet where everyone can discover new favourite products! Here are a few tips for a fun and delicious gathering.
5 tips for the perfect tasting buffet at home
1Pick a theme
When we think of a tasting, we tend to think of fine cheese paired with wine or craft beers. Why not try something different to surprise your guests?
Here are some tasty ideas:
- Sausages and deli platters
- Spanish tapas
- Seasonal dishes
- Italian fest
- Chinese New Year
- Garden party
- Surf and turf
- English tea
- Cheese tasting
2Ask for a backup
Potlucks are perfect for fun, casual get-togethers. Guests will never feel put upon to lend a hand, and they will no doubt try to impress with their favourite recipes. As the host, be sure to keep the menu varied and try get the portions right. A potluck with ten guests doesn’t mean everyone should cook for ten! Instead, ask your assistants to make enough to feed about three or four—a much more realistic approach! Ask everyone to bring a dish that’s already prepared and ensure they pack anything they need—like an ovenproof dish or serving utensils.
3Get the kitchen ready
If you’re asking guests to bring a dish to your potluck, be sure to get your kitchen ready first. Place utensils and serving plates in view so guests will know where to put their cheese, pâté and other tasty treats. Same goes for spices and oils that guests may need to complete their dish. Leave enough room in the fridge for all the delicious concoctions and products. Remember: Don’t be stingy with glasses, napkins and dinner plates.
4Serve buffet style or prepare food stations
With so many new foods to discover, be sure to present every dish in a simple and appetizing way. Try setting up a few turnkey food stations: one for drinks, another for every type of food, and one for desserts. That way, your guests can serve themselves without having to wait for you. Identify every dish with a festive label and note any food allergies or vegan options. Arrange quiche, rillettes, salads, veggie pâté, hummus, terrines, and cheeses into bite-sized pieces and display in appetizing arrangements that showcase colour and texture.
5Get the conversation started
Ask guests to bring copies of their recipe to share with others so those who are interested can easily try it out when they get home. Or present each guest with blank tasting note cards so they can jot down what they liked and add comments throughout the evening!
Expert Tip
No matter how well you prepare, there will always be plenty of food left over after your potluck. Why not give everyone a reusable plastic container so they can put together a lunch for the next day? Not only will your table be cleared away in no time, you’ll also cut down on food waste.
STAY CONNECTED
Download the My Metro app.
Grocery list, flyer, coupons and points all at your fingertips!
Follow us
For more inspiration, recipes and exclusive offers.
