Parties and get-togethers happen every time of the year, and they can be tiring to host. Preparation, cleaning and cooking all take energy that you'd rather use spending time with your guests and enjoying yourself. With a little planning, and perhaps some effort by your party guests, you'll be able to throw a great party and have a great time, too. Not every party has to have elaborate food. Simple dishes can taste great and create fun memories as well. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Shish Kebabs
If the weather is warm, fire up the grill and make do-it-yourself shish kebabs. Before your guests arrive, cube beef, chicken or pork. Cut up a variety of vegetables, such as peppers, onions and zucchini. Rinse smaller vegetables like mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Pile all the ingredients in attractive bowls and soak skewers in water for 20 minutes. When guests arrive, they can make their own shish kebabs, choosing their favorite ingredients.
Taco Bar
Brown ground meat of your choice and season with commercial taco seasoning according to the package. Chop lettuce, tomatoes and onions, and slice avocados. Pile the ingredients in bowls, and provide toppings such as sour cream and grated cheese. Warm tortillas just as guests arrive, and let them make their own Mexican creations.
Small Foods
Make a small food themed party, and no one will need utensils. Bake quiche in mini muffin pans. Meatballs and pigs in a blanket can be on toothpicks or skewers. Cut spinach pie into one-inch squares. Chop vegetables and fruit into bite-sized pieces. Make chicken wings and have a variety of sauces for dipping. And for dessert, have a variety of cookies, tarts and cake squares, all small enough to fit your theme.
Pasta Bar
Begin by cooking two or three kinds of pasta, such as fettuccine, rotini and bow ties. Cut and pre-cook a variety of vegetables, such as peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions. Cook small meatballs and sausage slices. Warm marinara and Alfredo sauce, and present everything on steam trays to keep them hot. Your party guests can have fun inventing their own pasta concoctions.
Dessert Bar
For movie night or just a sweet treat evening, have a dessert bar. Cut brownies and cakes into small squares and pieces. Make small pies or tarts. Set out cookies, ice cream and toppings, nuts and sprinkles. Make a pot of coffee and offer milk or hot chocolate. Your guests can make their own dessert plate or sundae invention.
Tags: guests arrive, make their, have variety, Make small, party guests