The ultimate guide to hosting a Burns Night Supper
Before the Supper
Of course, you can take the Scottish theme as far as you wish at your supper. Traditionally, at least one piece of tartan clothing, such as a tie, trousers, tights or even socks, is worn on the evening. Music wise, make sure you have plenty of Scottish music to see you through the evening.
You will also want to make sure you have a range of drinks for your guests to enjoy. Single malt whisky is the main drink of choice on Burns Night. Make sure you have plenty of whisky favourites ready for your guests like Glenfiddich, Macallan, Bruichladdich and Dalmore.
However, if you’re not much of a whisky drinker, there are loads of Scottish drinks to enjoy instead. Give Dark Matter Spiced Rum, which is distilled in Aberdeenshire, a go. Alternatively, try Highland Wineries Silver Birch Wine or Bruadar, a liquor made in Perthshire. Gin lovers can give The Botanist Gin, which contains botanicals from the Islay landscape, a go and ale fanatics will enjoy Traquair Jacobite Ale.
The Supper
At a traditional Burns Night Supper, a piper usually greets the guests, but at a less formal gathering, you’re allowed to play traditional Scottish music whilst you and your guests get acquainted. Then, the host will welcome everyone at the table where grace is said, usually saying the Selkirk Grace: “Some hae meat an canna eat, and some wad eat that want it; but we hae meat, and we can eat and sae let the Lord be thankit.”
Starter:
Cock-a-leekie soup
This perfect starter dish has been titled ‘Scotland’s National Soup’ and consists of leeks, peppered chicken stock, rice and sometimes barley. The original recipe also adds prunes, but they are not necessary. Interesting fact, this soup was a choice on the lunch menu of the Titanic the day it sank in 1912. Alternatively, why not try whisky-cured salmon.
Main:
Before you tuck into your main meal, traditionally, everyone stands as the haggis is brought in and songs like “A Man’s A Man for A’ That”, “Robbie Burns Medley” or “The Star O’ Robbie Burns” plays. The host then recites the Address to a Haggis, which you can see here. A whisky toast is then proposed to the haggis.
Haggis with neeps and tatties
Haggis may not be everyone’s favourite, but the dish is the very heart of Burns Night. The dish is made from sheep’s pluck; liver, heart and lungs and is mixed with oatmeal, herbs, spices and seasoning. However, it can be baked or boiled and can even be made vegetarian. The dish is best served with a side of neeps and tatties, which is a mixture of swede and potato. Alternatively, have a beef stew, but only with the very best Aberdeen Angus beef you can find.
Dessert:
Cranachan
The classic burns night option is cranachan which is a sweet mixture of cream, raspberries, oatmeal and a dash of whisky. Alternatively, try Scottish tart, which you will love if you’re a fan of Christmas cake as it is also a rich mix of dried fruit and whisky.
After the meal
Once the meal reaches the ‘coffee stage’, there are a range of traditional toasts to take part in.
The main speaker is to recite a poem or song by Burns and then the table toasts to the immortal memory of the poet.
A male speaker is then to give a short speech about his views on women in the ‘Address to the Lassies’. However, this is not to be offensive so keep it amusing. A female guest then gives her humorous opinion on men. After, the men then drink a toast to the women’s health.
Burns Night Supper’s tend to last the whole evening, so the rest of your time at the table should be spent socialising, playing games and singing the very best songs by Robert Burns and of course, reciting more of his poetry.
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