For many people, bringing food to a party can be stressful. What to make that won’t take all day? What to buy and bring that won’t look too store-bought? Here are 5 easy appetizers that will be a hit at all kinds of parties.
1.Cheese and Cracker Tray
Cheese cubes and spreads such as cream cheese and brie pair perfectly with crackers. Easy crackers to use include Ritz and Wheat Thins. For a fancy touch, try some water crackers found at most groceries.
2.Shrimp Tray
If you do not have to travel far, love this idea from Evolution of a Party. This pin shows how you can freeze water in a tart pan (or any cake pan for that matter) and just pop it out as a frozen slab later. Then, place the shrimp on top for an impressive, yet simple display.
3.Chips and Dip
Let’s face it. Who doesn’t love some salty, dippy goodness every once in a while. Easy dips to make include:
Dill Dip
1 Cup Sour Cream
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
3/4 Tablespoon Grated Onion and Juice
3/4 tablespoon seasoned salt such as Lawry’s
3/4 tablespoon dill weed
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and chill for 1 to 2 hours (Source: First Broad Street UMC Cookbook, Terry T.)
Other dips to consider include Creamy Corn and Bacon Cheese Dip from Wine & Glue, California Avocado Dip from The Recipe Critic, and Queso Blanco Dip from Six Sisters’ Stuff.
4.Mini Quiches
Store bought all the way on this one and just pop on a plate or other serving piece. I am personally a fan of Nancy’s Petite Quiches which can be found at Target, Wal-Mart, and Sam’s Clubs across the United States, as well as, other retailers.
5.Bite Size Sandwiches
Fill your bread with pimento cheese, chicken salad, sandwich meat and cheese, etc…, etc…
Slid your easy party appetizer on to one of your serving pieces or for a “take and not have to take home” option, check out dollar stores for their fake crystal trays and bowls. Get a classy look for minimal cash.
All great ideas to help the hostess not be so stressed!
Yes, reducing stress is such as good thing during the holidays. Too many way, way, stressed out people.
great ideas. so many times we over think the menu and then get overwhelmed. thanks for linkning up to the all things pretty party
Enjoy linking up to All Things Pretty.
Great ideas. The shrimp display is so elegant, yet so simple. Must try.
Super inexpensive display also. All the better.
Great appetizers you shared here Sarah! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your feature at SITS!
So glad to provide some helpful options.
So simple!! I forget the simple goodness of a cracker and cheese tray. In these days of Pinterest you feel pressure to bring the “perfect” appetizer when these simple ideas have it covered AND leave you stress-free!
Enjoy your SITS Day!
Simple can be so enjoyable because none of the stress.
Nice, simple ideas. Thank you for sharing.
http://www.LivingHappierAfter.com
Simple is such a good word.
We host several big parties throughout the year and we almost always have cheese & crackers and chips & dips available. I also like to serve pasta salad, cocktail wienies in bbq sauce, and some sort of raw vegetable tray with dip – things that can be thrown together the morning of and easily refilled.
Love it. Easy but so delicious.
I love that all of these ideas don’t take cooking talent. Most parties are about the company and not the food, so these are great options that taste good with minimal stress. Visiting from SITS – enjoy your day!
You are absolutely right. Why wear yourself out making fancy dishes when it is really about enjoying the people around you.
Yep! For me it’s remember KISS: Keep It Simply Silly! I always think I am going to get all fru-fru for parties. That just causes stress for me. Love simple, yet appealing appetizers!
Happy SITS Day!
I am all about the simple and easy. Funny how the basics are often what people like the most.
The dill dip has been a fave in our family for a million years – just made it at Christmas. Great simple but useful tips! Hope your SITS day was great!
Your dill dip sounds yummy!
Great ideas. Chips and Dip is my preference. It is easy and everyone loves it.
Best of all it is ready in no time.
I’m definitely cheese & crackers all the way…it is a great dish and snack but not too stressful to deliver. I hope you had a great SITSDay !
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack. Cheese and crackers really work.