How to host a Burns Supper
If you're not taking part in a Burns Supper, why not host your own?
We are encouraging EatScotland restaurants to host their own traditional or contemporary Burns Supper, so if you are looking to celebrate Burns Night but not have to do the dishes, book a table at one of the EatScotland establishments.
However if you would like to host your own and get your friends together, here is some advice for how to host your own Burns Supper.
While there is a traditional ritual associated with the Burns Supper there is no prescribed format.
The essential elements in holding a Burns Supper are:
- A tribute to Robert Burns; in poem or song
- Haggis, or any contemporary Scottish food and drink
- Friendship and hospitality
Here are a few suggestions for the perfect evening
Tribute to Burns
Burns was a colourful character and was a well known ladies man. In tribute to this it is customary for a tongue-in-cheek 'Toast to the Lassies', to which a 'Reply to the Laddies' will follow. For this and other great toasts and poems by Burns, click here.
The singing and dancing is an important part of your Burns Night. The haggis is often piped in at the more formal celebrations, but for most a bagpipe player is difficult to come across.
Try some traditional Scottish music, ideal for getting guests up for ceilidh dancing. Or to keep in with the contemporary Burns Supper theme, there's always the option of some modern Scottish music, 'The Proclaimers' are always guaranteed to get the party in full swing.
Don't forget at the end of the evening it is important to link arms with your fellow party-goers and finish off the proceedings with a rousing rendition of one of Burns' most famous works, Auld Lang Syne (See below).
The Haggis (or contemporary Scottish food and drink)
The most important ingredient for the evening is a good, spicy haggis, which you can find at your local butcher, deli or supermarket. If not check out Source Scottish Produce. Neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) are essential accompaniements and can be bought at farmers' markets, delis, supermarkets or farm shops. If haggis, neeps and tatties are not for you, then try one of our contemporary dishes using Scottish produce.
The haggis is already cooked and just needs some careful re-heating until it is piping hot. You can do this in the oven, boiled in a pan or even in the microwave. Once the haggis is ready all you have to do is cook your neeps and tatties, which should always be served mashed.
Find more information on Haggis.
Whisky (the choice for all good Burns' toasts)
A Burns Supper would be incomplete without a good dram of whisky. It is traditional to pour the whisky over the haggis, but the two are more often enjoyed seperately!
For whisky lovers, January 25 is a great excuse to further appreciate their favourite tipple. However, for the novice, Burns Night is a great way to try a quality malt for the first time. If you are not normally a malt whisky drinker then have a look at the alternative whisky serving suggestions in Contemporary Burns Recipes, as there is bound to be one that will appeal.
Malt whiskies have a more pronounced bouquet and deeper flavour, which varies depending on the area in Scotland they are produced.
If you have not tried malt whisky before and want a lighter flavour, then try the Lowland whisky Auchentoshan, which is triple distilled for a lighter flavour. If you fancy a strong peat flavoured whisky then Bunnahabhain or Ardbeg from Islay may be more to your taste.
Find more information on whisky
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet,
For auld lang syne. (sing chorus)
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' auld lang syne. (sing chorus)
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne. (sing chorus)
And there's a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught,
For auld lang syne. (sing chorus)