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Party Recipe: Scottish Dinner
In a few weeks, Rob and I will be host to the final party in the “Tour de Awesome” series for my friend’s 30th birthdays. Tour de Shane has a Scottish theme, with the main event being a big dinner party! Here’s what I’m brainstorming so far:
Food – A hearty menu with some kind of giant roast (leg of lamb?) and a rich cauliflower gratin. We’re going to try to do a haggis too.
Decorations – Instead of a tablecloth, I bought a plaid pashmina to use as a runner. The big candelabras will have red candles. Our laguiole steak knives and carving set will be a great match. Rosemary and lavender for centerpieces. Auptimagh font for the invite.
Beverages – Scotch tastings from modern glass decanters. For the birthday boy, a special ram’s head glass to drink from.
Activities -Plaid is mandatory for all the guests, which should make a festive start. My mom has delivered a couple old Scottish books, including an antique copy of Robert Burns poetry. We’ll have toasts and readings.
Any other ideas to fit the theme?
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Oh, wow, this sounds so fun! Bagpipe music, perhaps? A viewing of the A&E version of "Kidnapped"?
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I think the music is the only part. Bagpipes, drums and such. What a great time!
Oooh, a Burns Supper! There is a whole ritual involved with that, with toasts and readings and all. Sounds like a lot of fun. My dad plays the bagpipes and goes to at least one Supper every year.
Cock-a-leekie soup! (Chicken and leeks – always have this at the Burns Suppers I've been to.) And trifle for dessert?
Oatcakes with orange marmalade sauce and whiskey whipped cream for dessert?
Standing rib roast and mini-yorkshire puddings with gravy (we call them yorkies). So decadent and delish.
To get in the mood, read one of Rosamunde Pilcher's great novels set in Scotland, like Winter Solstice.
Can you all gather at a park? You could try to have a modified Scottish games and see who can throw a tree trunk the furthest (obviously that's the part you'd have to substitute) as well as a Scottish dance competition. Could be hilarious and a good way to work up a huge appetite.
…golf?
Or some golf-themed activity.
Trifle is a must for dessert. Cock-
a-leekie soup is a traditional starter.
Great bagpipe music CD's available too. Check your favourite charity shop for a cheap one. Good luck.
Add some Heather to your flower arrangement. It's a very iconic flower in Scotland.
If you can find them, try showing a few "Hamish Macbeth" episodes (hilarious!) or Maggie Smith's best movie "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" (amazing clothes!).
If you're feeling squeamish about the haggis, try a steak and kidney pudding. Rich gravy with chunks of beef and bits of kidney (if you want them) topped with luscious pastry. I normally use puff pastry.
Also, my Granny is a big fan of a Hot Toddy as a night cap.!
Such great suggestions! Cock-a-leekie soup sounds awesome.
Cock-a-leekie, Lentil & Bacon or Scotch Broth served with oatcakes would all make lovely soup starters. Haggis, Neeps (turnips, swedes) and Tatties (potatoes) with a delicious creamy whisky sauce would be divine for mains. For dessert, try making Cranachan – raspberries, cream, oatmeal and yet more whisky…mmm. Burns' poems always go down well and once the party's started get The Proclaimers '500 miles' on your stereo! Have a fantastic night!
PS: This is a lovely traditional Scottish toast, "May the best ye've ever seen
Be the worst ye'll ever see
May a moose ne'er leave yer girnal
Wi' a tear drap in his e'e
May ye aye keep hale an' he'rty
Till ye're auld eneuch tae dee
May ye aye be jist as happy
As we wish ye aye tae be"