21 Jan Top Tips For Hosting Burns Night
Traditionally celebrated in Scotland for the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, celebrations for Burns Night are now marked across the UK too on the 25th January. The work Burns is most renowned for is Auld Lang Syne and the Burns Supper ranges from an informal gathering of friends to a large, formal dinner. Whether it’s your first-time hosting Burns Night or you are looking for inspiration for your event, browse our top tips to ensure that your night runs seamlessly, below.
Don’t Forget The Haggis
Scotland’s national dish, Haggis, is carved and served to guests on Burns Night following a recital of Burns’ ‘ode To a Haggis’. The authentic dish is comprised of sheep intestines, alongside the liver, heart and lungs, which are mixed together with spices, oatmeal, onions, suet, stock and salt. Traditionally, these would be blended inside the sheep’s stomach, however, nowadays, sausage casing is used as an alternative. Haggis is well known for being exceedingly flavoursome and appetising, despite any preconceived beliefs.
Today, vegetarian Haggis is a popular alternative, allowing all guests to enjoy the classic dish on Burns Night.
Consider Decorations
Decorate the table and the venue of the event in authentic tartan, to create the mood of the occasion. From serviettes to paper chains and even the tablecloth, make the venue as Scottish as you can for bigger and better celebrations of Robert Burns.
Additionally, you can also add tartan to your outfit too to fit the theme of the evening. For a personalised touch and to allow everyone to join in with the recital of the poem before the Haggis is served, provide all the guests with the English version by their seat.
Complement The Haggis
In order to complement the beautiful rich flavour of the Haggis, it’s a good idea to serve the dish with a premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky, such as Glenmorangie, Laphroaig or Glenfiddich. To add a modern and more appealing twist for some guests, mix up some whisky cocktails! For those who aren’t a fan of whisky, a hoppy beer also harmonises well with Haggis. Ensure that you provide a variety of drinks and you can’t go wrong!
Include Music!
Despite bagpipe music not being everyone’s cup of tea, to add to the authenticity of the evening, add some traditional bagpipe music to your Burns Night. Also, have a playlist of other classic Scottish songs, just in case! There are many Scottish artists that are perfect for your soundtrack, including the Proclaimers, Eddi Reader and Paulo Nutini.
Finish With Scottish Biscuits
As one of Scotland’s finest exports and a popular treat for many, finish off the meal with something sweet, such as Shortbread, served with a cup of tea! Alternatively, for those who don’t have a sweet tooth, traditional Scottish cheese, including Red Anster, Dunsyre Blue and Criffel are the perfect ending to your Burns Night celebrations.
Hopefully, these top tips have given you some inspiration for hosting Burns Night this January. If you need some additional help, you can opt for our dinner party chef hire to cook the meal at your house, so you can relax and enjoy the celebrations without having to worry about cooking the Haggis well! Additionally, you can opt for our home cooking lessons to learn how to create the dish before the big night! For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
