Savvy Segments: Progressive Dinner Party

Images from The Blessed Nest

You don't have to go out to a fancy dinner to have an elegant and exciting evening. Here are my tips for having a smooth and successful progressive dinner party with friends and neighbors:

• Course Count: Determine the number of courses by the number of couples that will attend the progressive dinner. Therefore, each attendee also has the opportunity to host a dinner station in their respective home. Keep the number of guests to an intimate number so that there are a minimal number of location changes. I recommend having four courses: cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, soup and salad, an entree and side (or two), and dessert. See below for my suggestions per course.
• Blending Palettes: Discuss the overall menu with the other hosts so that each course compliments the other courses being served. Allot a specific amount of time you will spend at each location for each course (I recommend at least 30 to 45 minutes at each location).
• Be Prepared: As the host you should plan a menu item that can be prepared and cooked in advance to minimize the prep time/wait time for the guests when they come to your home. Each host should set their table prior to leaving for the first course; the goal is to keep the evening flowing despite changing locations
• Cocktail Medley: Rather than have a full bar during the cocktail and hors d' oeuvres course, select up to 3 signature cocktails to serve your guests. I recommend serving up to three different kinds of Prosecco, letting guests choose the one they like best.
• Close Couples: Consider inviting couples that live in close proximity to you; a progressive dinner is a great way to get to know your neighbors and makes transportation easy and travel time minimal between courses. If you choose to invite couples that do not live close to you, consider having all couples ride together so as to maintain the flow of the evening and make it most enjoyable for all guests. Also, riding together ensures that all guests will arrive at the same time. Therefore, no course is delayed because someone took a detour.
• Progressive Options: Remember, you are not limited to a progressive dinner, but may also plan a progressive brunch, cocktail party, or dessert party.
• Recipe Favors: A progressive meal provides a great opportunity to share your recipes with your friends. Ask each host to provide a recipe card for their dish to guests as they leave each home.

Tara's Course Suggestions:

• Cocktails: 3 variations of Prosecco
• Hors d' oeuvres: prosciutto wrapped asparagus or brie with
• raspberry preserves/dressing
• Soup: gazpacho
• Salad: tomato, mozzarella, basil salad
• Entree: beef tenderloin, seasoned carrots
• Dessert: fresh fruit tartlet

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