Delightful Anniversary Party Food Ideas You Need

No party is complete without an assortment of appetizing foods and refreshing drinks. From bite-sized snacks to delicious dinner options, we’ve got the skinny on all of the anniversary party food ideas to consider.

Party menu planning has never been easier!

Considerations When Planning Your Anniversary Party Menu

Perhaps the most daunting part of organizing an anniversary bash is coming up with the menu. There’s a lot to take into consideration when choosing both the type and specific kinds of food and drinks to offer guests.

Here are a few things to think about to make the planning process as smooth as can be:

Theme of the Anniversary Party

Depending on the theme that you’ve chosen, you may want to let it guide your menu. It can influence the specific menu you plan, or you may want to include foods that follow the cuisine or color scheme for the party décor.

Time of Day

Parties held in the late morning or early afternoon are well suited to a brunch or light lunch style menu. Afternoon and evening parties should provide guests with a hearty meal.

Budget

Food can take the biggest bite out of your party budget. For that reason, it’s very important to plan ahead so that you can keep the costs in check.

Number of Guests

It’s essential that you offer enough food for all of your guests. Be sure that you plan ahead and know how many people will be attending so that you can prepare the right amount of food and purchase plenty of beverages.

Venue

The anniversary party venue is an important consideration when picking the food. If you’re hosting at a home, park, or similar venue where you need to bring your own food and supplies, then you are responsible for the prep and cleanup. Hosting at a restaurant, banquet hall, or other venue with a catering option can make it much easier to plan and serve.

Serving the Food – Pass Around, Sit Down or Station

Determine the best serving style for the type of anniversary party you’re planning. For a casual affair, pass around or station style serving is acceptable, and probably even preferable. A formal event with an elegant vibe is better suited to a sit down style meal.

Consider Catering

Catering can be a smart option for large parties. When an event is catered, there’s less stress for the host. You simply select the menu from the available options and the food will be prepared and delivered to the event. Keep in mind that the cost is likely higher than purchasing and prepping the food on your own, but you’ll save yourself time.

Allergies, Vegetarians and Other Food Considerations

Some guests may have food allergies or special preferences. Try to find out in advance so that you can be sure to offer alternative dishes for those folks. It also helps to label any foods that contain nuts in case a guest has a peanut allergy.

Easy Anniversary Party Food Ideas for a Casual Get-Together

Hosting a casual anniversary party takes some of the pressure off of food prep. There are many ways to feed guests at a more laid-back affair, from barbecuing to buffet serving to picnic style.

Casual get-togethers with a smaller group are a perfect opportunity for a pot-luck style meal. Guests can bring a favorite dish and everyone can enjoy a little of everything.

As the host, you do need to make sure that a variety of foods are offered, so try to get a list of what guests will bring in advance.

You can then fill in the gaps with any important dishes that may be missing. Consider grilling meats and having guests bring side dishes and desserts 😉

Here are some other ideas for food to include at a casual anniversary party:

Anniversary Party Food Ideas for a Breakfast or Brunch Celebration

For parties with an early start, offer guests a mix of breakfast and lunch options. Brunch gatherings involve both hot and cold foods, as well as fresh juices, hot tea and coffee, and refreshing cocktails.

Be sure to include some or all of these brunch favorites at your late morning/early afternoon celebration:

Anniversary Party Food Ideas for Appetizers

Any anniversary party menu has to include at least a few tasty appetizers. These are snacks that whet your guest’s appetite for the main meal and keep them from going hungry before everyone arrives for the fun.

They can nibble on these snacks after they arrive and enjoy them with a drink as they mix and mingle.

Here are some delicious appetizers to consider for your event:

Anniversary Party Food Ideas for a Lunch

For an anniversary party that’s planned over the lunchtime hours of the afternoon, a lighter menu may be in order.

Offer guests foods that will fill them up but are still on the fresh and healthy side. Include a mix of salads, sandwiches, and side dishes for munching.

Anniversary Party Food Ideas for a BBQ

A BBQ anniversary party offers a laid back vibe with a menu of smoked and grilled meats, fresh salads and veggies, and plenty of cold drinks.

Guests definitely won’t go hungry when you serve up any or all of these barbecue favorites:

Anniversary Party Food Ideas for a Taco Bar

A taco bar is an easy way to offer guests a crowd-pleasing dish that has a little bit of everything! It makes self-serving simple, and ensures that guests get exactly what they want to make their tacos just the way they like them.

Offer a variety of fresh toppings to go with the meat or meats of your choice. Here’s everything you’ll need to create the ultimate taco bar:

The Essentials

• Taco Meat (Ground Beef and/or seasoned Chicken and/or grilled steak)
• Refried Beans
• Rice (white and/or Mexican)
• Hard Shell Tortillas
• Soft Shell Tortillas

The Toppings

Anniversary Party Drink Ideas

Every party has to have a selection of refreshments for guests to enjoy throughout the event. From juices to cocktails to bottled water, be sure that your anniversary party food ideas include a variety of tasty and hydrating options.

Don’t forget about the dessert hour, either- coffee and tea should also be available for those who want it.

Whether you’re offering only soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol or a mix of both, these are the drinks you’ll want to consider having on hand:

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol Beverage Options

Anniversary Party Food Ideas for Dessert

No matter what type of foods you serve up for your party guests, you can’t forget about the sweet treats. Dessert options are an absolute must for any get-together.

While you may be serving a special anniversary cake for the happy couple, you’ll likely also want to have a few other treats on hand.

Here are some delicious ideas for rich and tasty dessert options:

Candy Bar Ideas for an Anniversary Party

A fun way to offer guests sweet snacks to enjoy is by creating a candy bar. You simply choose the candies to include and place them in clear glass jars or containers with a small scoop on a table.

Guests can then fill up a small baggie, bowl, or other simple container with the candies they want. Candy bars add a colorful visual element, as well as a creative and fun way to serve sweets.

Here are some candies to consider including:

PIN THESE ANNIVERSARY PARTY FOOD IDEAS FOR LATER!