Food and drink questions answered

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• Published Wednesday, 11 February 2009
• 2 Comments

Tashkin mint mule, blueberry crush and lychee sour cocktails, from £3 each, Absolute Taste (020 8870 5151).

We give you the answers to the most common questions when it comes to eating and drinking!

How do I serve a fabulous menu without spending a fortune?

Keep it simple and seasonal. Popular choices still tend to be chicken, lamb, beef and salmon. They're universally well-liked and don't have to be boring in the hands of a creative caterer. The best menus also feature quality produce so keep the costs in check and the quality high by doing less, but doing it well. Consider serving substantial canapés instead of a starter, and a luxurious chocolate wedding cake for pudding.

How many canapés should I allow per person?

Depending on the length of the drinks reception, allow between 8 and 16 per person. Canapés should always be one bite, and avoid dips that might drip down peoples clothes.

How many glasses can I expect from a bottle of Champagne or wine?

You get around five glasses from a bottle of wine and six from a bottle of Champagne. It's a good idea to allow half a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine per person (two glasses before dinner and one for the toast), and around two thirds of a bottle of wine per person.

Can I serve Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco instead of Champagne?

Any good sparkling wine is worth looking at and preferable to cheap Champagne. There are also some great quality sparkling wines from Australia, New Zealand and France.