Here's How to Host a Coffee Tasting Party Like a Pro

I wanted to see how well my coffee tasters knew their favorite roasts, so I went to my local grocery store and picked a variety of dark, medium, and light beans for my party. You can go with ground or whole-bean coffee for your gathering, but make sure to create some sort of labeling system so you know what everyone is drinking.

Pick up mini notepads and pencils for guests to write down their thoughts on the different flavors they're discovering. They can also keep track of what type of blend they think is in each serving container — but it's complelty acceptable to write notes to other coffee-party sippers, too.

Put out snacks that complement the different notes of the coffees, like sweet and tart raspberries, crisp crackers, and soft cheeses. Place nibbles on cheeseboards or serving platters that can be moved around while guests are enjoying the party.

Once guests arrive, invite everyone to start tasting. I had the Pike Place Roast in glass carafes, with the light roast in an unmarked carafe, and the medium in a carafe marked with a sticker on the bottom.