A party is only as good as its food. And if it is one that you are planning to host, then you need to make sure that the food is exceptionally good, given that it is probably the last party the retiree will attend with you. This article helps you out with some general guidelines to consider and a few ideas for the same.
A retirement party is a party that is filled with mixed emotions. You are happy that you are retiring, but you know that you are going to miss the work and the people you have worked with for so long. You know that you have a whole new life waiting for you, but you are still holding on to the last few moments that you have left with your colleagues. If you are throwing a retirement party for someone, you need to make sure that everything on the last day for him or his colleagues should be something that the retiree would remember forever. And the best way to do it (apart from some fabulous speeches and gifts of course), is to have some great food at the event.
Some Food Ideas
The food at this party is one of the most important things that you need to plan out. Whether you’re throwing a party for someone else or if you’re giving your colleagues one at the time of your own retirement. You need to make sure that the food is something that everyone will enjoy eating, is not very messy, and since most retirement parties have buffets, that the food does not require to be cut with knives and forks. You can pick a theme for the party like it could be a place where the retiree is planning for a vacation, or foods that he/she likes the most. You could also have a potluck where everyone brings a particular dish to the party. In this way, you will have variety too. Here are some of the easiest and most practical food ideas for this occasion.
Appetizers
The appetizers must be easy to eat. You don’t want people wondering about their exquisite table manners if you’re not planning on giving them a table. So, stick to finger foods that are delicious and easy to eat as well. For instance, you can have some salted crackers, topped with a dollop of sour cream, and dusted with some oregano, and a garnish of coriander or parsley. You could also get small boneless pieces of meat barbecued and sprinkled with a little lemon juice and served with coriander chutney. Another favorite appetizer is the cheese and corn cutlet. Make a delicious filling of corn and melted cheese and stuff it into a cutlet. Serve it with a spicy sauce to balance out the flavor.
Main Course
The key to a successful meal is to keep the food light, tasty, and manageable. Have a main course that is light on the stomach, so that no one complains of a bursting stomach afterwards. You can have an array of rices from different parts of the world. Mexican, Indian, Italian, Thai, Chinese, etc. So many varieties, one to suit every pallet. You could have a casual main course like a burger and a fruit juice. You could even have something as simple as spaghetti and meatballs, but served very stylishly. Another option that is sure to be a hit is pizza, which can be ordered (with different toppings). Everyone loves pizza, so you can’t go wrong with this choice.
Dessert
Dessert at a retirement party is generally the cake that the retiree cuts. If you are throwing the party for someone else, then find out what his/her favorite flavor is and get a fancy cake made. If you are hosting your own retirement party, get an unanimous decision on what people generally like and get one in that flavor. Whatever it is, make sure that the cake will be enough for everyone attending the party. There is nothing more embarrassing than having more people than food at a party. If not the cake, then you can go in for some simple desserts that most people are likely to enjoy like ice cream with jelly or chocolate sauce. You can also go for an assortment of pastries and souffles. Another idea is to have a tray full of cupcakes with different toppings.
When organizing a retirement party, make sure that you get the basics right. There should be no foods that could cause allergies. Always label the foods at the table, so that people know what they are eating. Make sure the food is warm when served, nothing turns off a guest more than cold food. Organize it well and you are sure to have a wonderful time.
