Setting The Table For A Fun Fondue Party

Hosting a fondue party is a fun and interactive way to bring people together over delicious food. Fondue parties are a great way to reconnect with loved ones and can be a memorable and unique dining experience for guests. To set the perfect table for a fondue party, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to have a large central buffet or table for easy access to the dippers and fondue pots. This allows guests to move around and interact while enjoying their meal. A decorative tablecloth, such as gold or vintage, can add a touch of elegance and also catch any drips for easy cleanup. It is also important to have enough fondue pots to accommodate your guest count, typically one pot for every 4-5 people. These can be placed at each end of the table with the dippers in the centre. Mini plates are ideal so guests can add multiple bites to their plate without having to return to the fondue station for each dip. Don't forget the all-important fondue forks or skewers, and regular flatware for eating. Napkins are also essential to save your guest's clothes from any drips or spills. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a fun and memorable fondue party experience!

Choose a fondue pot

When choosing a fondue pot, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to think about the type of fuel source you prefer. Electric fondue pots are efficient and offer excellent heat control, but they do need to be plugged into a power outlet. If you want more flexibility in where you place your fondue pot, you might prefer one that uses gel fuel or tea lights. While these options offer more portability, you'll need to ensure you have the right fuel on hand and be cautious around the open flame.

Another factor to consider is the size of the pot. Smaller pots are great for couples or appetizers, while larger pots are better suited for fondue parties or bigger families. You'll also want to consider the depth of the pot to ensure it's easy to dip your food into the cheese or chocolate. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about half a pound (200-250 grams) of cheese per person, which will be about two cups when melted. For chocolate fondue, prepare at least 2 ounces per person.

Different materials are used for fondue pots, such as ceramic or metal, and some are more traditional in style while others are more modern. You'll also want to think about how easy the pot is to clean. Traditional fondue pots made of enameled cast iron are typically hand-washed with mild dish soap and a gentle scrubber. Some fondue pots are dishwasher-safe, but it's generally recommended to remove any stuck-on cheese or chocolate before running them through the dishwasher.

• Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot: This electric option has a brushed finish on the bowl and ring and a mirrored finish on the stand and handles. It includes eight forks and features a temperature dial for easy control. The non-stick interior is prone to scratching, and the fork rest sits loosely on top of the pot.
• Swissmar Lugano 9-Piece Cheese Fondue Set: This set has a beautiful, rustic aesthetic with a 2-quart enameled cast iron pot. It includes six fondue forks and a gel container for fuel. The cast iron construction retains heat well, and the pot can be used directly on the stove.
• Nostalgia 1.5-Quart Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot: If you're looking for an affordable option, this electric fondue pot is a great choice. It has variable temperature settings and includes six color-coded fondue forks. The external housing is sturdy, but the insert is made of thinner metal and can be a bit unstable.
• Swissmar Sierra Iron Fondue: This gorgeous set includes a 1.6-quart fondue pot, six forks, a splatter ring, a stand, a fuel burner, and a grooved wooden base. The heavy enameled cast iron pot retains heat well at both low and high temperatures. It can be heated on the stovetop or in the oven and then kept warm on the stand.
• Cuisinart 13-Piece Cast Iron Fondue Set: This enameled cast iron set is perfect for meat fondue, whether you're cooking in hot oil or broth. It can withstand high temperatures and is also suitable for cheese or chocolate fondue. The set includes eight color-coded forks and has excellent heat distribution and retention.

Prepare the food

Fondue is typically served in three courses: cheese, an Asian hot-pot type where meat is cooked in oil or broth, and chocolate. For a fondue party, it is recommended to prepare a variety of dippers for your guests to choose from.

For the cheese fondue, popular dippers include bite-size bread, apples, cured meats, shrimp, sausage, steak, asparagus, broccoli, small boiled potatoes, french fries, cornichons, thinly sliced steak, cucumber, carrot, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and other vegetables. You can also offer a simple salad or fresh vegetables as a side.

For the main course, if you are cooking meat or seafood, you will need to use a hot cooking component such as oil. Popular items for dipping include beef cubes, sausage slices, meatballs, shrimp, potatoes, and other vegetables. If you have vegetarian guests, consider adding a separate fondue pot for cooking vegetables. You can also offer different sauces for the cooked morsels.

For the chocolate fondue, popular dippers include marshmallows, bananas, strawberries, figs, graham crackers, pretzels, pound cake, dried fruit, and other fresh fruits. Cold fruit will hold chocolate better and result in fewer drips.

Most of the prep can be done before your guests arrive. You can chop the bread, cake, and fruit into bite-size pieces a few hours before the party. The cheese and chocolate for the sauces can also be chopped, grated, or cubed in advance. However, it is recommended to wait until your guests arrive to heat the ingredients together to avoid over-thickening.

Set the table

Setting the table for a fondue party is a little different from a regular dinner party, but it's a great way to encourage interaction and participation from your guests. Here's how to set the table for a fun and memorable fondue party:

Layout and Seating

You don't need to have seating for all your guests around the table. In fact, part of the fun of a fondue party is the interaction and movement it encourages. So, create a cocktail party atmosphere by laying out the dipping items on a central buffet table, allowing guests to fill their plates and interact with each other. You can also have a separate area for the fondue pots, with enough space for guests to gather around comfortably.

Tableware and Decor

Cover your table with an easy-to-clean tablecloth, as drips and spills are inevitable. A gold or colourful tablecloth is a great choice, adding a touch of elegance and helping to catch any messy drips for easy clean-up.

Provide each guest with a fondue fork or skewer, a regular appetizer fork, and a small appetizer plate. If you're serving a side salad or heartier dishes, consider using dinner plates. It's also a good idea to provide each guest with a nice cloth napkin to protect their clothes from any splatters.

For a stylish touch, use large wooden boards or platters for serving the various dippers and fondue pots. You can also scatter some mini plates around the table, allowing guests to build their bites without having to return to the central buffet for each dip.

Fondue Pots

The fondue pot is the star of the party. For easy access, place one or two fondue pots on the central table, ensuring they are within reach of all your guests. If using two pots, place them at either end of the table. You can use electric fondue pots, or warm the pots with candles or Sterno. Electric pots are great for temperature control, but may limit your location choices due to the need for power outlets.

If you have a corded pot, consider a buffet-style setup, with the pot kept separate from the dining table to avoid any tripping hazards. This will also make it easier to keep the fondue warm and accessible.

Dippers and Accompaniments

Arrange a variety of dippers and accompaniments on large platters or boards. You can have separate platters for different types of food, such as meats, vegetables, fruits, and breads. Popular dippers include bite-sized bread, apples, cured meats, shrimp, sausage, steak, asparagus, broccoli, small boiled potatoes, and french fries.

For a charcuterie touch, include a platter of beautifully sliced meats with condiments and cornichons. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces for cooked meats, such as steak sauce or marinara for ravioli.

Safety and Etiquette

Fondue forks can get extremely hot, so remind your guests not to eat directly from them. Instead, they should slide the food onto their plates and use regular forks to eat. It's also important to avoid double-dipping to prevent any cross-contamination.

If using an open flame or hot oil, keep children and pets away from unattended pots, and never use water to put out an oil fire. Instead, cover the pot to reduce the oxygen supply.

Follow fondue etiquette

Fondue is a communal dining experience, so it's important to be patient and wait for your turn to dip your food into the pot. Avoid overcrowding the pot or dipping your fork in front of someone else. When it's your turn, use your fondue fork to pierce a piece of food and dip it into the cheese, chocolate, or oil. Do not put the food directly into your mouth from the fondue fork. Instead, place it on your plate and eat it with a regular fork. Double-dipping is a big no-no, so once you've taken a bite, avoid re-dipping your fork into the communal pot. Use a regular fork to eat the food on your plate.

If a piece of food falls off your fork into the pot, do not attempt to retrieve it with your utensil or force it onto someone else's fork. Simply let it be and continue dipping with a new piece of food. Be mindful not to scrape the bottom of the fondue pot with your fork, as this could damage the cooking pot.

As a host, ensure there are enough fondue ingredients, such as bread, vegetables, or meat, for everyone to enjoy. Provide your guests with clean utensils and encourage them to use separate serving plates or utensils for individual dipping. Remind your guests about the proper way to eat fondue, especially if they are beginners.

Most importantly, remember that fondue is meant to be a fun and enjoyable dining experience. So, gather your friends and family, set up the fondue pot, and get ready to dip, savour, and indulge in this delightful dish!

Pick a theme

When it comes to picking a theme for your fondue party, there are several directions you could go in. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Seventies theme: Fondue was popular in the 1970s, so why not lean into that with a retro-themed party? Encourage your guests to dress up in vintage outfits and create a disco music playlist. You can also use table linens and dinnerware in retro colours to complete the look.
• European theme: Fondue originated in Switzerland and France, so you could incorporate some European flair into your party. Use traditional Swiss or French recipes for your fondue and offer a variety of dipping options like bread, vegetables, and apples.
• Campfire theme: Fondue is like the indoor equivalent of making s'mores around a campfire. For this theme, incorporate natural elements like wooden plate chargers and botanicals into your table decor. Offer graham crackers, marshmallows, and candy bars for dipping, and use candles in hurricane candle holders to create a flickering campfire effect.
• Holiday theme: Fondue is a perfect holiday party theme, especially if you're looking for something affordable and manageable to prep. Offer a variety of cheese and chocolate fondue options, along with a charcuterie plate or a platter of sliced meats. Don't forget the wine!
• Colour theme: Choose a colour scheme and incorporate it into your table setting, decorations, and even the food you serve. For example, you could go for a red and white theme with tomato-based fondue and red and white dipping options, or a green and white theme with herbal dips and green-hued decorations.

Frequently asked questions