Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Gluten-free party etiquette

OK...it is Christmas/Holiday party time, which is normally a fun time, but really makes me a little panicky. By following just a couple of guideline you can enjoy yourself and eat a safe meal whether you are attending a catered event, or a meal in a restaurant.

Here is my advice for enjoying a Christmas/Holiday party gluten-free style:
1 Plan ahead by contacting the event facility/restaurant and ask to speak to the caterer/chef. They should be able to identify safe dishes. This should work for events being thrown in a private and public residence.

2 Eat a snack before you attend the event. Having a snack should keep you full during the event, on the off chance that you are unable to determine if there is any gluten-free fare.

3 Stick to those foods that are naturally gluten-free, like vegetables, cheese, salad, unmarinated/unbreaded meat, beans and fruit. Bring some gluten-free crackers with you to enjoy cheese and crackers.

4 Stay away from the dessert options, as there will not likely be a gluten-free one available.

5 Be polite. Remember this is not only a time to eat too much rich food, it is also a time to spend with family and friends.

Have a drink and strike up a conversation with someone new. This is a great opportunity to make a new friend, enjoy yourself and be merry!

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