Ideas for Build Your Own Parfait Party

Have you ever wanted to have a party after a football game, school play or following a church service? Here are ideas for an "after" party; a build your own parfait party.

No doubt, we must be innovative during tough economic times when the traditional sit down dinner isn't always an option. But, an "after" party is perfect! Please don't limit yourself to the examples I gave; this first-class festivity is suitable after any event.

The typical parfait consists of layers of fruit, syrup, ice cream and whipped crème. I've taken it a step beyond, including little cakes or cookies and excluding ice cream.

When you e-mail or telephone the people on your guest list, consider offering your guests the option to contribute. Assign them a category, so that you won't end up with all fruit and no filling, for example. Also, recruit a couple of your nearest and dearest to assist with the after party clean-up. Remember to request R.S.V.P.'s to get an approximate amount of food needed.

Here are a few ideas for the "Build your own Parfait Party", which I have accumulated over the years. You can adjust for the number of guests and personal tastes or use your own ideas.

Categories

Cakes - sponge cake, ladyfingers, Macaroons, pound cake, Angel food cake, cupcakes, mini-cookies.

Syrups/Fillings - flavored syrups such as chocolate or butterscotch, boxed puddings, Whipped crème, gelatins, canned pie fillings.

Fruits - blueberries, strawberries, Mandarin oranges, kiwi fruit, pineapple chunks, cherries.

Toppings - mini-marshmallows, Red Hots, walnuts, pecans, flavored whipped crème, chocolate sprinkles, toasted coconut, chocolate coffee beans, granola, candied ginger.

Sugar-free Zone

Since my husband is diabetic, I may be more alert about special dietary needs, than some hostesses. With just a little effort, you can set up a sugar-free zone and label it for guests who monitor sugar.

Virtually every food is now available with no sugar added. Consider making a sugar free pudding and buying a box of sugar free cookies at a minimum.

Your diabetic guests will still join in the fun of assembling their parfaits, adding allowable fruits, nuts and toppings.

Preparation

Gather assorted glasses of mix/match shapes. If you do not have enough, borrow from friends or family. Stack napkins (cloth if you have them). Put out dessert spoons or teaspoons.

With everything sweet, make simple drinks to go with. I usually set out a couple of cut glass pitchers of water and keep the coffee brewing. It's acceptable to buy nice paper cups for the water. You may also want to fill a small bowl with lemon/lime slices.

Immediately Prior to Serving

Make a pretty presentation of the different categories of parfait fixings. Again, mix and match your serving dishes. Because of the type ingredients, glassware will show-off parfait fixings in a pleasurable light.

If you have a bar area in your kitchen that's great, or pull out the kitchen table from the wall and let your guests circulate around it.

Build your own Parfait Party

When your guests arrive, point them to the parfait bar and let the fun begin as they build their own parfait.

Since the majority of the actual party work is done, you can circulate and enjoy the festivities. Don't be surprised if you start an "after" party trend!

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Source: Personal Creativity