A white party is a themed party where guests are asked to wear all white clothing. The decor is also all white to match the light and airy aesthetic. White parties are popular for events like beach parties, summer cocktail parties, engagement parties and even weddings. Deciding what food and drinks to serve at a white party takes some planning to find options that complement the color scheme. Here are some tips for planning the menu for your white party.
Appetizers
Appetizers at a white party should be white in color, light and fresh. Some good options include:
- White bean bruschetta – Toast rounds topped with white beans, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and Parmesan cheese.
- Stuffed mushrooms – Button or cremini mushroom caps filled with a cheese mixture.
- Shrimp cocktail – Chilled jumbo shrimp served with a cocktail sauce for dipping.
- Goat cheese crostini – Bagette slices topped with herbed goat cheese and tomato.
- Crab cakes – Mini crab cakes flavored with Old Bay seasoning.
- Caprese skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and basil threaded onto skewers.
- Smoked salmon – Served on toasted bagel chips with dill cream cheese and capers.
- Fruit kabobs – Cubes of pineapple, melon and grapes skewered on a stick.
Aim for a mix of vegetarian and seafood options for broader appeal. The appetizers should be easy to eat standing up with minimal mess. Smaller bite sized portions work well.
Main Dishes
For the main course at a white party, lighter fare works best. Some good options include:
- White fish – Flaky white fish like halibut, cod or sole baked en papillote or grilled with lemon and herbs.
- Seafood pasta – Linguine tossed with white clam sauce, shrimp scampi or Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken dishes – Chicken marsala, chicken piccata, chicken stuffed with spinach and feta.
- Risotto – Creamy white risotto made with Parmesan cheese, mushrooms and asparagus.
- Salads – Greek salad, caprese salad, salad Nicoise are all white colored composed salads.
- Quiche – An assortment of white quiches like spinach and mushroom or broccoli and cheddar.
The key is choosing entrees that look white or cream colored on the plate. Enhance flavor with herbs, garlic, citrus and cheese rather than heavy sauces. Set up a self serve station or have wait staff circulate with passed appetizers.
Sides
Good side dishes for a white party include:
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Coleslaw
- Fruit salad with whipped cream
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
Again the key is keeping everything white in color. Roasted cauliflower, parsnips and white asparagus make elegant all-white sides. Choose potato and pasta salads dressed lightly to keep a clean white appearance.
Desserts
Dessert is a chance to have fun with all-white treats. Options include:
- White chocolate mousse
- Lemon squares or bars
- Vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream
- Mini cheesecakes
- Macarons
- Meringues
- Panna cotta
- Blancmange
- Ice cream sundaes
For additional flair, serve mini cakes on white cake stands tiered on a dessert table. Frame with white balloons or drapes. The desserts can incorporate other neutral tones like cream or ivory for accent.
Beverages
Beverages for a white party should also match the color scheme. Refreshing options include:
- Sparkling wine, champagne or prosecco
- White wine spritzers with soda water
- Mojitos
- Mint juleps
- Fruit juice cocktails
- Flavored lemonades or iced teas
- Strawberry daiquiris
- Moscow mules
- Margaritas
- Piña coladas
For non-alcoholic options, infused waters, milkshakes and smoothies also work well. Serve drinks in glasses that complement the color scheme like highball, wine or champagne glasses.
Table Decor
To continue the all-white theme, keep table decor simple and elegant:
- White tablecloths
- White plates and napkins
- Clear glassware
- White chairs or chair covers
- White flower centerpieces – roses, calla lilies, tulips, daisies
- Floating candles
- White lanterns or tea lights
Avoid patterned dishes or colorful glassware that might take away from the clean white look. Keep centerpieces low so guests can easily converse across the table.
Food Safety Tips
When serving food and drinks at any event, be sure to follow food safety best practices:
- Keep cold foods chilled at 40°F or below
- Keep hot foods heated to 140°F or above
- Place perishable foods on ice if serving for longer than 2 hours
- Avoid cross contamination by using separate cutting boards, utensils and dishes for raw meats vs. other foods
- Label foods with ingredient lists and allergen information as needed
- Provide plenty of trash and recycling bins for proper disposal
- Wear gloves and wash hands frequently when preparing food
- Refrigerate or discard leftovers promptly
Following basic food safety practices will keep your guests healthy and allow everyone to enjoy the event.
Conclusion
Planning food and decor for a white party can seem challenging, but sticking to naturally white ingredients and clean, minimalist presentation creates an elegant aesthetic. The key is choosing lighter, neutral-toned dishes that feel fresh for summer without an overload of heavy flavors or vivid colors. With a palette of white wines, desserts, flowers and attire, your party will have a beautiful cohesive look that is sure to impress.