Inviting guests over for a fancy dinner is a pleasure, but it's a rare one when you're on a budget. You don't have to abandon the practice, though---make it affordable instead. Serve less expensive food, but make up for it with style and presentation. The style can come from a beautifully set table featuring your best plates and glasses; as for presentation, serve the dinner course by course to lend it a fancier, more formal feel.
Instructions
1. Start with salad---and plenty of it. Salad is an inexpensive course and will help fill people up. For an elegant touch, offer each guest Parmesan cheese from a hand grater.
2. Serve warm French bread on separate little plates, accompanied by small individual bowls or pats of butter.
3. Offer a selection of brightly colored vegetables with the main dish---they'll let you stretch your budget and they look lovely, too. Include eye-catching dishes such as asparagus, beets in vinaigrette or cooked carrots with a sprinkling of green herbs.
4. Serve a smallish portion of poultry or meat, because that's the most expensive item, but make sure it's flavorful and well prepared. Use your imagination---for instance, guests will find Chicken Kiev fancier than the fried or broiled variety.
5. Go all out with your grains and starches. These don't cost much,but can carry a big "wow" factor. Think double-stuffed potatoes, rich rice pilaf or an unusual grain such as quinoa sauteed with veggies.
6. Produce a home-baked dessert such as a spicy apple pie or rich chocolate cake. Store-bought pastries cost a small fortune, so take the time to make your own. If you're not a baker, serve something simple and elegant such as fresh strawberries and cream.
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