Burns suppers are more popular today than ever before. But staging a Burns night can lead to anxiety. Who was Robert Burns? - What is a Burns Supper? - How can my event go well? How to Host a Burns Supper - A Beginner's Guide to Celebrating Robert Burns and Burns Night - answers these and other questions in a simple, easy-to-read fashion. The book takes you through all the stages involved in a Burns evening - from the arrival of guests, serving the food, piping the haggis-in, speeches, dancing and entertainment - through to singing Auld Lang Syne at the end of the evening. Chapters include: a complete beginning to end guide of the format for a traditional Burns supper - when the speeches happen - transcripts of all the major speeches - transcripts of a selection of popular Burns poems and songs to include in the evening - suggestions for food - hints for drinks - advice on appropriate dress codes - formal and informal - hints on how to stage a Burns supper in various locations - from restaurants to pubs to care homes to workplaces to Burns parties at home It's a comprehensive guide ideal for beginners - but a great catch-up for experienced Burns supper enthusiasts too. Whether you are holding a formal event for hundreds of guests; a light-hearted get together among friends; or an intimate romantic soiree: this book gives you a template and options for any Burns themed evening. Burns night celebrates the poetry, life and songs of Robert Burns. It salutes Scottish food, culture and music. It’s a lot of fun. What is a Burns supper? A Burns supper is held in memory and celebration of the life and work of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Guests eat a dinner of traditional Scottish food such as haggis; they listen to Scottish music; they recite Burns poetry; they give toasts and addresses in celebration of the life and work of Robert Burns. Most traditional Burns suppers are held to a fairly standardised and formal format. But in the 21st century Burns suppers have evolved and now take place in an ever increasing variety of locations. It is now possible to adapt and tailor the standard Burns night to the demands of your venue and audience. Burns suppers are as appropriate for a small pub, restaurant or club as they are for a big society gathering. They can be held in your home, in a workplace, school, college, care home, sports club or village hall. For many restaurants, hotels and pubs Burns night is one of the key dates in the calendar. This book will help you stage your event so you can: have a great time - enjoy a flavour of the food and music of Scotland - celebrate the life of Robert Burns, one of the world’s greatest poets. Enjoy How to Host a Burns Supper - A Beginner's Guide to Celebrating Robert Burns and Burns Night