Asian Express Dinner Party

Combine bright but simple decor with a flavourful Asian menu to create a memorable, last-minute dinner party.

Photography by Michael Alberstat
Food Styling by Ian Muggridge

First published in Wish November 2005

Menu

Make: Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Impress your guests with this dish, which is ready in less than half an hour.

Buy:
- Steamed edamame beans sprinkled with coarse sea salt
- Shrimp chips with peanut sauce
- Vanilla ice cream sprinkled with toasted coconut

Table-Setting Advice
Keep things minimal. Load the table with clean, bright colours and turn your space into a casual café.

Setting the Mood Secret
Close the doors to all rooms but the ones you’ll be using. Dim the lights and hide any evidence that you didn’t have time to clean. Use plenty of candles to create an intimate mood.

Last-Minute Hosting Tricks

  • Wrap simple glass votives in colourful paper to set the scene. Note: Use a long-stem lighter and be extra careful when you light them.
  • Turn wooden clothes pegs into impromptu name-tag holders and chopstick rests.
  • Colourful paper napkins are affordable, recyclable and will offset white or contrasting coloured dishes.
  • Skip the tablecloth and line up everyday placemats (or squares of construction paper) in sequence for graphic punch.
  • Stack napkins, glasses and chopsticks on top of plates for a funky, low-key look.