If you are renting out a location to hold it, check their opening and closing times.
If you want, you can write the invitations in Scots. If you’re not from Scotland or a Scottish community, you may wish to explain what a Burns supper is. Ask if any guests need any specific accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter or a specific timetable of what will be happening.
You may want to advertise these roles on the invitations.
Be prepared for dietary requirements. This includes allergies and intolerances, vegans and vegetarians, as well as religious restrictions. If you can, ask guests beforehand if they have any requirements. Getting foods that accommodate multiple dietary requirements at once is recommended. For example, a vegan haggis can accommodate vegans, vegetarians, as well as those who eat kosher or halal. When you purchase food, take note of the ingredients. You may wish to keep the packaging or take a photo of it in case someone asks about it. Don’t just assume something doesn’t contain a specific ingredient. For example, mashed potato usually contains milk. Neeps and tatties are typically served mashed. [1] X Research source A Scots broth with oatcakes is usually a good starter. [2] X Research source If you’re serving alcohol, whisky or other Scottish drinks work well. [3] X Research source A Tipsy Laird (a Scottish trifle made with whisky and raspberries) may be a good make-ahead dish to serve for dessert. [4] X Research source
You may wish to have a place with a stage for any performers. Consider the accessibility of the building if you have any disabled guests. Ramps and accessible toilets are examples of things you may need to look into.
If you can get tartan decorations, such as tartan bunting or tartan tablecloths, that would be ideal. You may also wish to hang a Scottish flag. The Saltire (St. Andrew’s Cross) is the national flag and is the obvious choice, but the Lion Rampant is the Royal Standard of Scotland and is another option. You can hang a picture of Robert Burns on the wall, or lines from his poems. If you have children involved, consider asking them to help make decorations. They will enjoy being creative and having their work on display.
You get different types of tartan for different surnames. If you know your name has a specific tartan, you could wear that.
Remember to address the chef and the piper (if you have one). [6] X Research source
Don’t assume everyone knows the dance or doesn’t need a refresher. Before you play with the music, remind everyone of the routine and run through it without the music. Remember to count people in with the music so everyone starts at the same time. Some dances involve swapping partners or groups. Make it clear whether or not you will be doing this in the dance. Keep in mind that not everyone will be comfortable with changing partners/groups.
You can prepare a playlist of Scottish music beforehand to play. Scottish music is very varied, so you can make a playlist including nationalist songs, Scottish dance music, Gaelic music, humourous music and music from modern-day Scottish musicians.
Having regular party games such as musical corners, a themed version of pin the tail on the donkey or pass the parcel can appeal to younger guests. These can also easily be made themed and can be done to Scottish music. Musical corners can be adapted to have each corner be the name of one of Burns’s poems.
The goal is not to insult anyone. Instead, talk about trivial issues stereotypically associated with the relationship between men and women. It should end on a positive note.
Apart from Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Robert Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other non-religious figure. [11] X Research source
His poetry is accessible for free online, but if you want, you can buy a book of poems. Some of his poetry has been made into picture books, which may appeal to younger children.
If you’re up for a challenge, you could try making the immortal memory into a poem.
You may also want to sing more contemporary Scottish songs, that are not by Burns. The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) is a popular Scottish song. Donald Where’s Your Troosers? is another well-loved song choice among children and adults alike. Flower of Scotland is usually a great choice of song to sing. While not by Robert Burns, it is the national anthem of Scotland and is very familiar. Even if the songs are all well-known, you should still consider providing lyrics for people who are less familiar with some of the songs, and because some songs have different versions. You can either put the lyrics on a screen or print the lyrics and distribute them on the tables.
