How to Host a Tapas Party

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how to host a tapas party

As a Spaniard I’m really proud of our food. Eating well is not only a pleasure for us but also part of our culture. On today’s post I’d like to show you what goes into eating, entertaining and drinking like we do. There’s no better way to do that than showing you how to host a tapas party. Let’s start with the basics:

  • The main idea is serving a series of shareable small colorful plates. Don’t divide your meal into starters, entrees and sides. Here, any dish can be the star of the show. 
  • Tapas are appropriate for any time of day or night. 
  • They are designed to be eaten while standing up. You hold a tapa with one hand and your drink with the other (beer, wine, cider or sangria are our favorites). 
  • Most of them are finger food. 
  • You don’t have to worry about food getting cold, tapas are served at room temperature.

how to host a tapas party

how to host a tapas party

The list of tapas you can make is endless but here’s a roundup of my favorites:

  • Steamed mussels with diced tomato, green pepper and onion on top.
  • Olives with different dressings.
  • Spanish omelette (recipe).
  • Cheese platter (must include at least one wedge of Manchego cheese).
  • Fried morcilla (black pudding) served with foie-gras and bread sticks.
  • Croquetas (croquettes). They are usually made with ham but the ones in the photo above were made with cecina which is cured meat that may remind you of beef jerky.
  • Fish meatballs.
  • Bread slices with a slice of ham and a fried quail egg on top.

Another favorite of mine is this tapa riojana I posted last February. I recommend you to read the article because I also explain where the word tapa comes from.
how to host a tapas party

how to host a tapas party

how to host a tapas party
I’ve already numbered the drinks we usually order. However, I didn’t mention the star of the summer gazpacho (recipe). On this particular occasion I opted for a sangria pitcher.  Make your own sangria following the recipe below.how to host a tapas party sangria recipe
how to host a tapas party

how to host a tapas party

What was your favorite dish? Would you like to host a tapas party?
xo Cristina

0 thoughts on “How to Host a Tapas Party”

  1. Taste of France

    This looks great! The idea has caught on in France, where it's called an "apéritif dinatoire"–cocktail party, I guess, though the emphasis is on the food rather than the drinks.

    Reply
  8. Cristina

    It's extremely easy to make, don't worry about it. If you have time, make it the night before, it tastes even better after the ingredients have been together for hours.

    Reply
  10. Heidi Kokborg

    I want to come eat at your house! This looks heavenly. Just perfect. You just inspired my boyfriend and I to have a sangria, cheese, and crackers night on Friday. I know it's not exactly tapas but it's better than nothing. Was the sangria easy enough to make? I've never tried it before but we have almost all the ingredients so it's seems like we are meant to be making it 😉

    http://www.thesparklingdarling.com

    Reply

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