Och aye, it’s time to plan your Burns Night party and evoke the spirit of Scotland with a flurry of haggis, whisky, and verse. So, dust off the tartan, power up the bagpipes, and revel in the traditions of this truly special night in celebration of the immortal Robbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet.
In this article, we’re delving into the food, drinks and everything you need to serve up a Burns Night bonanza. So, get your thinking tam’o’shanter on! And get planning a Burns Night party where tartan tradition meets culinary creativity.
No Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin’-Race, No Burns Night Party!
No Burns Night party is complete without the star of the show – the haggis! Burns himself eloquently described it as the ‘great chieftain o’ the puddin’-race’. This savoury Scottish delicacy is a mouth-watering mix of lamb, oats, and spices. Serve it up with neeps and tatties, (mashed potatoes and turnips) on a stunning blue stoneware plate to add a splash of earthy charm to your table.
Beforehand, you might be tempted to start with a Scotch Broth, (or a Cock-a-Leekie Soup for the veggies), before getting to the main event. After all, what’s better than a warming soup served in double-handled soup cups as you welcome your guests in from the winter chill?
And on the practical side, an electrical hot cupboard with bain-marie top is your secret weapon. You can cook your haggis and keep your vegetables piping hot till you’re ready to serve them.
Ode to Burns Night Party Puddings
With starters and mains under your sporran, what about afters?
“Finally, to round off your Burns’ Supper menu, desert might consist of a traditional Clootie Dumpling or a classic cranachan,” Brand Scotland suggest in their Burn’s Supper Guide.
The good news is Clootie Dumpling can be prepared and held in the same bain-marie as the haggis. What’s more, you can serve it up with cream or custard in the double-handled soup cups you used for starters.
Or Crachanan fits the bill deliciously if you want to finish with a lighter touch. Sometimes referred to as the King of Scottish desserts, it’s a glorious muddle of raspberries, oats and cream. Serve it in pre-prepared individual portions in sophisticated Sundae glasses.
Top Scotch
What’s a Burns Night party without a sip of golden elixir? Scotch whisky is more than just a drink. It’s a cultural cornerstone! So, make sure you’ve got a selection ready, plus plenty of lowball Old Fashioned glasses or Rocks glasses to raise a toast to the bard.
At Co-ordination Event Hire, we’re here to help you seamlessly celebrate Scottish spirit, camaraderie, and the enduring legacy of Robbie Burns. And we understand a brilliant Burns Night party means blending tradition with creativity. So, get in touch for everything you need, from cooking and serving this year’s haggis to raising a glass of fine Scotch.
