Party Tips
String Them Along
String twinkling lights on the patio or deck to make your party feel both intimate and festive.
Food Makes the Party
Offer entrees that are delicious, fun and easy to eat. Prepare as much as you can ahead of time so you can spend time enjoying your friends.
Keep It Fresh
Make a pretty presentation. To avoid discoloration of make-ahead avocado dishes, sprinkle avocados with fresh lemon juice, lime juice or white vinegar after cutting the fruit. Then, prepare your dish per the recipe instructions.
Remember Your Health Conscious Guests
California Avocados can be part of a healthful diet.
One-fifth of a medium avocado (1 oz) has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals making it a good nutrient choice. Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a healthy substitution for foods rich in saturated fat.
Try a new twist on spreads and dips? A 1-ounce serving of fresh avocados contain 0mg of cholesterol, 0mg of sodium, 0.5g saturated fat. See the chart below for examples of how fresh avocados are a great substitute on sandwiches, toast or substituted as a spread in place of many other popular foods.
| Spread and Dip Nutritional Comparison | |||||
| Fresh Avocado |
Butter, Salad |
Sour Cream, Cultured |
Cheddar Cheese |
Mayonnaise, with Salt |
|
| Portion (1-ounce) | 2 Tbsp. or 2-3 thin slices |
2 Tbsp. | 2 Tbsp. | 1 slice | 2 Tbsp |
| Calories | 50 | 204 | 60 | 114 | 109 |
| Total Fat (g) | 4.5 | 23 | 6 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Sat Fat (g) | 0.5 | 14.6 | 3.7 | 6 | 1.4 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 61 | 13 | 30 | 7 |
| Sodium (mg) | 0 | 164 | 15 | 176 | 199 |
Reference: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 18 (2005) and FDA Food Labeling Guidelines for Voluntary Nutrition Labeling of Raw Fruits, Vegetable and Fish (Vol. 71, No. 159); Appendix C to Part 101 – Nutrition Facts for Raw Fruits and Vegetables (2006).
• Nutritional values are for the item listed only; not as consumed with other foods or ingredients.
Festive Beverages
Plan to stock an assortment of glasses, about twice as many glasses as you have guests so you are ready for every possibility. For a festive touch, add a sliver of avocado on the rim of each glass, a delicious and colorful surprise your guests will enjoy.
Put it on Ice
Have plenty of ice on hand for chilling drinks or for anything on the rocks. One pound of ice per person is the rule of thumb.
Relax and Enjoy
Remember, it’s a party. Find time to step out of your host role and have some fun!
