Happily hosting for Chanukah

For many people Chanukah is party season, eight days of rushing from event to event. Whether it’s the entire extended family or a few friends, Chanukah is a time of connecting with our loved ones. When you find yourself hosting this holiday season, a little insider knowledge can turn your party into the talk of the town.

A twist on tradition

Holiday parties come with certain expectations. It would be hard to host a Chanukah party without potato latkes and donuts. While you can’t go wrong with the classics, make an impression by trying variations on the traditional dishes. Try red-wine donuts or fruit latkes (look for recipes below) or makeup your own latke recipes experimenting with new combinations of vegetables. 

Embrace old friends

In the rush of party planning, it can be tempting to try out the latest gourmet menu. Avoid the temptation. Sticking to the things you know with only a few new additions will reduce the burden of catering. Those tried and true recipes will not let you down if you find yourself in a last minute rush to get everything ready. If possible, test out any new recipes beforehand to prevent any unwelcome surprises.

To make any dish look like a gourmet extravaganza, pay attention to presentation. A few strips of colorful pepper or a few endive leaves can transform a dish. Use brightly colored vegetables as a garnish to add life to a savory plate, and place fruit around desserts to make any dish a work of art.

Give wine recommendations

Wine can make any event into a party. Encourage your guests to be adventurous with their wine choices.

At a dinner party it’s easy to serve different wines with each course. A buffet party is harder to control. Try printing up a suggested wine list and posting it near the drinks table. Try to offer something unusual, like the Mt Hermon Indigo, which has a distinctive purple color, and is a fruity blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.