Small Parties Everywhere

 May is almost upon us and that means a slew of parties, from showers to graduation celebrations. it is time to celebrate yet many don't like the idea of big crowds. What do do? Go small. A gathering of only a few people over a series of days is better than a big do.

This is the season for bridal and baby showers. You can scale them down to six to ten people at a time. This makes for easy prepping cooking and clean up. Hosts can spend more time on cooking a smaller variety of nibbles and hors d'ouevres. Showers can have individual mini quiches. These are smaller than the usual nine inch ones and bigger than the appetizer ones. You can customize them with guests' favorite ingredients .Make a bacon and cheddar for one guest and two or three veggies for those who want a vegetarian version. Another great idea for a smaller party is serving Cornish game hens.  All you would need would be three or four for a small party. They can be easily spatchcocked and grilled on an outdoor grill. Think a honey mustard glaze for more flavor. Serve with timbales of rice and minced portabella mushrooms. A simple salad with a vinaigrette is s lovely side. You don't have to go crazy making a huge one. An average sized one will do nicely for a small gathering. As for desserts, think little tea cakes or a tray of prettily colored macarons or meringues.

Graduation parties, especially college ones have always been splashy with kegs and endless burgers on the grill. Suppose the grad leans towards a more intimate get together? Throw a small outdoor party under the backyard trees. You can still have grilled meats but instead of hot dogs and hamburgers, think filet mignons Just slice and marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon and rosemary. The slices can be put on grilled sliced baguettes. London Broil can also be put on the grilled. Again for a moister meat marinated in olive oil for a juicier bite.  A truly memorable graduation meal for a small crowd is grilled lobster tails.  They're an easy outdoor cook which can be made in under twenty minutes. If lobster is a tad expensive then think of marinated shrimp kebobs for a tasty party meal.Intersperse with onions and grape tomatoes for a fun colorful look. Keep the sides simple. A plain garden salad is your best bet.Add some radishes and bell pepper strips for some color. As for the cake, think a delicate pavlova , a confection of meringue , whipped cream and fresh fruit  layered to airy perfection. You can also think a Bundt cake  that can be served with ice cream.

Little parties are the way to go these days. Think about an intimate dinner , small on guests but big on flavor.It makes for a more memorable gathering all will enjoy.