Gourmet Tips & Advice

Worried about your dinner party?  Want to be the host(ess) with the most(est)?

Well worry no more - we're compiling a selection of useful hints and advice as well as links to other sites that will take the stress and hassle out of entertaining as much as our delicious food does.

If you'd like to add your own useful tip to this site please contact us.

Here's the first selection of gourmet tips and advice - focussed on Planning and Preparing:

Get to grips with your guests - Find out if you have any vegetarians, diabetics or guests with allergies such as shellfish, nuts, milk and wheat.  Avoid dishes with these ingredients.  Find out if anyone has a specific dislike.  This will make them feel more at home and avoid the scenario when your guests eat what is put in front of them through obligation or politeness!  You could include an RSVP on your invitations with a section for guests to highlight any special dietary requirements or allergies.

Plan and prepare - We offer a convenient and hassle free option for planning and preparation. Use Our menu to design your own menu or choose one of our specially designed dinner party menu's. Add some accompaniments and wine to complete the gourmet experience. 

So, no shopping + no preparation + minimum cooking time = Banquet.  It's ideal.

 Choose carefully - If you do decide to choose your own dishes from Our Menu be sure to choose dishes that complement each other.  Try not to repeat similar type dishes e.g., don't choose Sunblush Tomato & Goats Cheese Tart as your starter and then Gourmet Salmon en Croute as you main.  They are both totally delicious, but they also both have pastry cases.

Suit the event - Depending on the type of ocassion you may wish to have a formal sit down dinner, or a less formal finger or fork buffet.  Decide what type of event you are hosting, is it formal, such as a business lunch or client meeting?  Or is it a friendly gathering of family and friends.  Then select your menu accordingly.  If you do decide a buffet is appropriate or more cost effective our buffet menu has a great selection for all ocassions.

Lay the table - Try and set the table the night before.  This will avoid a last minute panic and guests arriving as you are hurrying to complete the finishing touches.  Try to make sure you are completed, relaxed and ready at least an hour before the guests arrive - then have a quiet glass of wine and greet your guests looking serene and confident!

Candle conservation - To get the most from your candles and to avoid candle drips on your best linen, put your candles in the freezer for a few hours before you are going to light them.

Aromatic entrance - To get your guests mouths watering and to add a unique touch to your gathering place a bouquet of fresh herbs near the front door.  Good herbs to use are Mint, Rosemary, Coriander and Sage as they all have strong aromas.

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Banquet in a Box supply top quality luxury gourmet food.  Each dish is sourced and made by only the very best suppliers.  The aim of Banquet in a Box is to make your life easy and to provide you with the best in fine foods and dining.

King Scallops , Monkfish & Salmon Coquille, Luxury Smoked Salmon, Seafood Dim Sum, Luxury Seafood Cocktail, Garlic & Herb Goujons, Salmon Tulip, Jalapeno Peppers, Filo Parcels, Cajun Mushroom Boats, Spinach & Feta Goujons, Vegetable Spring Roll, Tuscan Red Pepper, Goats Cheese Tart, Stuffed Salmon Steak, Smoked Salmon Gateau, Garlic Mushrooms, Crispy Coated Camabert, Farmhouse Pate, Lime & Chilli Wings, Chicken Parfait Brandy & Plums, Asparagus & Gruyere Tart, Mediterranean Tart, Melon Balls, Oriental King Prawns, Chicken Chardonnay Pate, King Prawn Garlic & Herb Brochettes