Starter Kit
If you're not planning to attend a Burns Supper, then why not throw your own? Here we have listed exactly what you need, for an evening of great fun and frivolity, where you and your friends and family can join in with the traditional observations to celebrate the man himself, in the relaxed atmosphere of your own home. From what to eat, what to drink and what to wear, we've got everything you need for a great evening of fun!
What should you eat?
The main ingredient for anygood Burns Supper is a nice, spicy haggis, which you can buy from your local butcher, deli, supermarket or nearest Scottish store if you live overseas. Neeps and tatties are also essential accompaniements or as they are more commonly known -turnip and potatoes, you canbuy these from farmers' markets, delis, market gardens, vegetable stores, supermarkets or you may even have some in your own back garden.
The haggis is already cooked and just needs some careful re-heating until it is piping hot, you can do this in the oven or the pan and for the less domesticated out there you can even do it in the microwave! Once the haggis is ready all you have to do is cook yourneeps and tatties, whichare normally servedmashed.
For more details on the ingredients in a haggis and further cooking instructions click here.
What Should you Drink?
Whisky is the usual choice at Burns Suppers, either malts or blends.
Contrary to popular belief, adding a little water to your malt should
improve rather than dilute the flavour, although some whisky drinkers may
not take kindly to watering down their drams! It is traditional to pour a
dram over the haggis' but some may prefer not to as it drowns out the taste
of the meat and makes it soggy and cold! It's perhaps best to enjoy each
independently of the other.
If you don't like whisky, then robust red wines make a good accompaniment
such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. White wines don't complement the dish
quite so well, but it's whatever takes your fancy. Ales, lager, punch,
Scottish fruit wines or soft drinks (perhaps Irn Bru, being our 'other
national drink') are all alternatives.
What music do you need?
The haggis is traditionally piped in, which could prove difficult if you don't have you or your guest can't play the bagpipes!. Traditional Scottish music including recent collections sung by Eddie Reader may suit the occasion. There is no shortage of CDs with Robbie Burns' songs, click here to buy your own copy of the music for the evening, which you can also use to dance to later on in the evenings celebrations. Finally there is a rousing chorus of 'Auld Lang Syne' at the end is of the night is also a must. Don't forgot, Burns Suppers can be contemporary too, so feel free to play more modern Scottish Music, which you can gig along to until your hearts content!
Where can you get a copy of the recitals?
Traditional recitals on the evening include the Address to a Haggis, the
lyrics of which can be found by clicking here. You can also find lyrics
of the Selkirk Grace by clicking here.
Other recitals on the evening include Immortal Memory, the Address to the
Lassies and of course The Reply from the Lassies, which are normally
created especially for the evening. If you're needing help to create
your own recitals for the evening the Robert Burns World Federation will be
on hand to assist click here for more info
What should you wear?
If you're hosting this event at home then literally anything goes, but it is definitely recommendable that you wear at least a touch of tartan! Whether it be a tartan broach, a tartan tie, or the full tartan get up; it's entirely up to you. For a modern twist on the traditional Scottish dress and associated garments, check out places like,
21st Century Kilts
Jilli Blackwood
Sporran Nation
Ness Scotland Clothing CO
