How to plan a plant-based dinner party with non-vegan friends 🥳
Plant-powered yummies everyone will love!
Dinner parties … Does the mere mention send you into a tailspin? Do you break out in a cold sweat?
I’m an introvert at heart. I understand that feeling! (How on earth will I get everything done!)
But when you have friends you adore, and they’re celebrating a milestone … they’ve made the final payment on a business! - you have to do something to celebrate!
I prefer intimate gatherings. I’m not one to ask more than a handful of people to dinner. In this case, it will be the two of them, and the two of us. What could be better than four!?
But I want to do this right. It’s a bit too chilly outside. And the rains are still coming down from time to time in the Pacific Northwest. So that seals the deal on bringing the festivities inside.
Let’s make it more complicated - we’re plant-based (vegan at home), and they aren’t. They eat well and focus on healthy eating, but they aren’t meat-free.
Not a problem! I can create a gorgeous menu, and I promise you, they’ll never notice it’s meat-free.
Quite honestly, I think that’s one of the biggest holdups (and biggest questions) I get: How do I appeal to a meat eater palette?
Here’s the thing: Don’t worry about it!
If you create a gorgeous meal, no one will go home hungry. And that’s what it’s all about.
First step, decide on your main course
We’ll be celebrating - of course, we’ll be breaking into our wine reserves. We’ve been holding some delicious Oregon pinots for just such an occasion. They’re already set aside and waiting. 🍷
But you can’t have wine without a main course. Something that’s easy to make, easy to serve, and won’t take a lot of time once they arrive. Some of the things I consider are:
What’s in season? I love showcasing what’s fresh in the markets.
Dinner party size? Four people is easier to create than six or eight. (Or more.)
Are there further dietary restrictions? Since I’m already focused on plant-based meal planning, I usually have other nutritional restrictions covered. But it’s always a good idea to ask.
For me, I wanted something easy yet satisfying. Something I could have ready, yet serve whenever I desired. Flatbread pizzas are the solution!
Easy, No Knead Pizza Crust
300 grams of flour
1 ½ teaspoons active yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup warm water, more as needed
Gently mix all ingredients together. Put it in your standing mixer for two minutes with the dough attachment, or knead it a few times until the ingredients are well combined. Place dough in a bowl and cover with a kitchen towel.
I don’t prebake. Instead, I load it up with toppings, and bake at 425 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes, depending on how many toppings.
I usually make mine at lunch, and it’s ready in time for dinner. It makes two personal-sized pizzas, so I double this to have four for a dinner party.
I usually create different toppings to share. I don’t worry about using plant-based ingredients - I create what I eat, and give others a chance to experiment. Lots of people are surprised at plant-based food. And since they’re coming over to my plant-based home, they kind of expect it. 🤩
Margarita - definitely. But I’m open to other ideas.
I love pear and fig with arugula and a balsamic reduction sauce.
I also look for something new - I’ll be trying TheFirstMess’s Spinach Artichoke Pizza this time.
Mmm…
Before and after
Wine calls for yummies. And I’m an expert at charcuterie boards. I believe that a charcuterie board makes everything Gorgeous!
Yes, I buy boards specifically for charcuterie boards. I find great deals at farmers’ markets, places like Cost Plus, and even Trader Joe’s. I prefer small, specific boards - fruit, veggies, crackers, desserts. Then, I have fun filling them in. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. Shop at a beautiful market. Then, have fun tucking everything in.
And for dessert, vegan donuts. Chocolate, blueberry, lemon coconut. We experimented last week with a key lime version, complete with graham cracker topping. Yummm!
Do what you can do in advance
The day of the event should never be hectic. I highly suggest planning a week in advance. Know what you’re preparing. Shop ahead of time. And make what you can a day or so in advance.
I love making my own hummus and dips - they’re perfect to make the night before. Try this recipe here - it’s easy and mmm …
The extras …
Okay, we can’t have a party with pizza alone. We want to sit back, talk for a while, nibble while celebrating their victory.
Veggies and fruits can be washed and cleaned well in advance.
Do you have the dishes necessary to set up a charcuterie board? I’m always on the lookout for small dishes I can tuck in. Something tall for breadsticks. Something clear for olives that won’t take away from the ambiance of the board. I love shopping at flea or antique markets - you never know what you’ll find that makes the perfect addition!
Don’t forget about ambiance
I keep things simple. Why fuss? Dinner parties are for good friends, lots of talking, and lots of laughing. Skip anything that will make your life complicated the day of the event. I believe when in doubt, err on the side of minimalist.
This is a festival of the senses! Think of how you can incorporate all of them into your surroundings.
Flowers - you can never go wrong with flowers. In the summer, I like putting my own bouquet together. But pick up an arrangement a day or two in advance for something gorgeous on the table.
Music - put your favorite music on, and leave it low enough for the conversation to flow. On a recent trip to Nashville, we happened upon a GREAT guitarist:
We saw him again here in Portland on Monday night. He’ll be on my playlist.
Color - this is something I’m just starting to experiment with. Of course, food and bouquets bring their own unique color. But I love gorgeous bowls and dishes. Why do they need to be the same? Why not invest in bright colors that appeal to you? Then mix and match.
Why not have fun!
***
I hope this is helpful for the next time you plan a dinner party. Whether it’s for your family - a handful of friends - or a room full of people - I feel every moment of it should be filled with life.
That’s plant-powered for me. It helps me think a bit differently, look for items that are plant-based and wholesome, and gorgeous in the presentation.
Take what’s gorgeous for you. And leave the rest behind. Put it together. And have fun!
Lori
