Gather friends around the table for a fondue party.
Preparation is key when decorating a table for a fondue dinner party. For most dinner parties, you place plates and glasses among table decorations because the food is typically prepared ahead of time. Fondue parties are different. Since the food is prepared at the table, there is little room for decorations. Preparing the table with the eating utensils and designated areas for the pots and food ahead of time will help you understand how much room you have to work with for decorating. Keep the decorations simple so guests won't have to reach around items to cook their food.
Instructions
1. Spread a tablecloth over your table to set the foundation for decorating. In addition to adding color, the tablecloth will catch any spilled food or sauce and prevent it from staining your table. Avoid a paper tablecloth because spills will soak through it.
2. Determine where you will place the fondue pot. You will want one fondue pot for every three to six people. Most dinner parties consist of six to eight people, so you may need up to three pots. One can sit directly in the center of the table, and you can put the other two at either end of the table. Place a wooden tray or several protective mats at the areas where the fondue pots will be.
3. Prepare at least two dishes of food prior to the dinner party. Place the dishes of food next to the fondue pots so they are easily accessible to all guests.
4. Layer each with a placemat and dinner plate. On top of the plate, place a fondue stick, knife and fork wrapped in a cloth napkin. The fondue stick is used to hold the food in the fondue pot; guests will use the knife and fork to eat their food once it is cooked.
5. Create menus to place at setting for guests. The menu will list each item that can be cooked in the fondue pot and how long it needs to cook. Additionally, list which condiment each item tastes best with so guests can dip their food in the appropriate condiment.
6. Set tall drinking glasses at each place setting. Do not fill the glasses until the guests arrive.
7. Fill small condiment cups or trays for each guests. Place the condiments at each place setting for guests to use.
8. Add tall candles and flowers to the center of the table for visual interest. Make sure not to place the candles or flowers in the way of guests reaching to cook their food in the fondue pots.
Tags: each place, setting, place setting, , fondue pots, ahead time, candles flowers