I can think of many occasions when my friends and I want to get together for a meal, but don't feel like eating a heavy meal in a restaurant. We want to share the camaraderie of dining together over food that makes us feel as good as being together does. That's when hosting a fish dinner at home is the perfect solution. You might host a fish dinner party around the holidays when you need a lighter meal in between holiday feasts; in the springtime when bathing suits are on your mind; during Lent when Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays. At any time you choose to host this fish dinner party, you're in for a delicious meal.
Setting the Stage
Keep your decorations as light feeling as your menu.
- Choose pastels in blues and greens that are reminiscent of the ocean for your table linens.
- Place a simple centerpiece of white flowers in the middle of your table.
- If you have time, create one of these whimsical “Down in the Deep” table decorations for each guest.
- Use a half of a clean clam or other seashell as a placecard for each guest by writing their name on it in a coordinating marker
- Just for fun, send each guest home with a package of Swedish fish candy as a party favor
Menu
Mussels with Paprika Sauce - This Spanish flavored mussels appetizer recipe is a delicious way to start your fish dinner. Be sure to have plenty of crusty bread available for dipping in the sauce.
Flounder with Ginger and Black Beans in Foil Packets - An elegant dish that packs a punch with fragrant Asian flavors. This recipe can easily be multiplied for as many guests as you are hosting. Plus, the packet technique allows for advance preparation and minimal supervision while cooking.
Thai Cucumber Salad - The Asian flavors in this salad with be a delicious accompaniment to the flounder. It's a simple and refreshing side dish, perfect for a light fish dinner party.
Vegetable Fried Rice - This easy side dish will take little time to add to your meal. Have fun with the vegetables you add to the dish, and if you'd like, substitute fresh corn stripped from the cob, snow peas cut into strips, diced green pepper, or diced carrots that have been pre-steamed to soften.
Mango Sorbet - This Thai dessert recipe will be the perfect sweet, but light finish to this dinner party.
