Often, the key to any great event, party, or special function is the menu! Indeed, in many cultures, social occasions will often center around the food we share. Of course, as a host, it can be tempting to serve up tasty temptations which are delicious, but that offer minimal nutritional value. However, we’re sure that your guests will appreciate it if you steer clear of fatty fries, creamy cakes and lardy lasagne when throwing a soiree. And of course, none will be more appreciative than their waistlines! 

So, for a health-conscious gathering, offer your guests instead the option to dine on lighter, healthier and more nutritionally-balanced food and beverage options, to make sure that their nutritional requirements are met. If you’re unsure how to do this, never fear! Our comprehensive guide to how to meet your guests’ dietary needs will teach you all you need to know about planning a diet-friendly social event. So, just keep reading! 

Provide Your Guests With Protein-Rich Food Sources

Undoubtedly, the central and most important element of any delectable dish is its protein source. Be it steak, salmon or lobster - the protein chosen as the meal’s base is most often the star of the show - the piece de resistance if you will! But, regardless of what type of protein you choose to serve to your guests, you need to ensure that you are well stocked up on it. Indeed, your guests may find your dish so delicious, they might ask for a second serving. 

The best way to ensure that your kitchen is fully stocked is to purchase a bulk, oversized meat tray. And, the best thing about a meat tray is that it contains a variety of different types of meat, to suit even the fussiest of diners! From beef sausages to lamb chops, to porterhouse steaks, meatballs, rissoles, and everything in between, a meat tray is a versatile and varied way to ensure your guests’ protein needs are met. And with most meat trays being available in pre-seasoned and pre-marinated options, it is also a lip-smacking delicious protein source to boot! 

Ensure That Your Guests Eat Their Greens

Admittedly, no meat, chicken or fish dish is complete without a side of greens! Think tantalizing salads complete with tangy, zesty dressings, or leafy green vegetables cooked to perfection. 

A sure-fire hit with any greens-loving guest is chef Yotam Ottolengh’s Summer Salad. Indeed, the celebrity cook's spectacular salad recipes have become so popular that they have even become viral online! A family favorite at most any gathering, Ottolenghi’s salads will even have the kids eating their greens. Filled with flavorsome chickpeas and brightly colored vegetables, and drizzled with yogurt and ruby red pomegranate seeds, Ottolenghi’s salads are never boring. Better yet, his recipes are simple to follow, and even easier to make. But, the easiest thing about Ottolenghi’s salads is how easy they are to eat! Your guests will gobble up these wholesome servings of nourishment in minutes. 

Supply Your Guests With Healthy, Lighter Sweet Treats

As the saying goes, there’s always room for dessert! Keep in the theme of your nourishing, healthy, and balanced banquet by avoiding heavy cakes, trifles or tarts. Consider, instead, compiling a colorful fruit platter for your guests. Try layering fruits of varying brightly colored hues on a plate. Think pineapple, watermelon, green grapes, strawberries and blueberries, and passionfruit, to name a few! A crowd favorite, fruit platters are a fresh and healthy way to end a meal. 

Using similar ingredients, you could even make a variation of the platter into a chopped fruit salad instead. For a fancier experience, this can be served in individual bowls for each guest, rather than on a communal plate. Serve with frozen yogurt for ultimate nutritional value! Of course, you’ll need to ensure that the yogurt you serve with the fruit salad meets your guests’ dietary needs as well. As many people are lactose-intolerant, think about providing dairy-free options as well. A dairy-free coconut sorbet, for example, goes down a treat as a topping for fruit salad. Alternatively, you may even wish to compliment the fruity dessert with a sweeter topping, such as passionfruit or mango puree.

When hosting a social event, there are many things you need to consider! The decor, the guest-list, the music - these all play an important part in setting the tone of a party. However, arguably the most important component of any gathering is the food that is served! And by meeting your guests’ dietary needs, you can ensure happy tummies all around. Consider a wide variety of protein sources, salads and leafy greens - and don’t forget dessert! Most importantly, you want to make sure your menu is both varied and delicious. Your guests will be raving about your healthy spread for days!

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