Best Foods to Prepare for your Party (So You Can Enjoy Your Guests!)

For any party, the number one focus is what to eat. Every event is planned around meal times for a reason, whether breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack times in between. If this part stresses you out the most, think again. Menu planning couldn’t be simpler, and there is no reason for you to slave in the kitchen all day and night (and throughout your party) so your guests can have a good time. 

If you choose to hire a caterer, then poof! Problem solved! Your caterer should have every detail planned out and considered, such as what, how, where, and with what tools your guests will eat. Beverages may or may not be included, so make sure you discuss this ahead of time. 

If you absolutely must create the spread on your own, I can’t think of one reason why you shouldn’t have everything ready to go before your early bird guest arrives. Regardless of the season, these treats sit well for a few hours and can be enjoyed any time. 

• Salumi Plate - one of my absolute favorites when done well. Choose a few cold cuts that your guests don’t always have, like mortadella, proscuitto di parma, copa, and a dry salame. Accompany the spread with a delicious Italian cheese like parmigiano reggiano or a creamy burrata. Of course, a crusty bread, sliced, is a perfect finishing touch. 

• Stuffed Mushrooms - Yes, I bet you’re thinking, “been there, done that!” But there’s nothing wrong with putting a new twist on an old classic, plus, everyone loves them! Fill them with gorgonzola & portobellos, camembert & shittake or leek, fennel & goat cheese. Bake and serve! 

• Baked Brie - Whenever I put one of these out, I barely have any rind left. I rarely add all the frills like super sweet nuts and dried fruits that sort of take away the delicious flavor of the melted cheese. The wheels come packaged in a wooden container, which makes a great vessel for baking. Remove the plastic packaging and place the cheese directly in the wooden container. Put in a hot, 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Test the center of the cheese, when it is done, it will be very soft to the touch. Slice the rind open and leave on your table with a few crackers and cheese spreader. (put another wheel in the oven for back up...)

• Carrots - Did you ever notice, when you put out a plate of “crudite” that you always find yourself with tons of cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or another obscure vegetable left over? Buying a bag of baby carrots is just as simple as the full tray of veggies; in fact, you’ll probably need two or three. Lay them out on an oblong platter, with a greek yogurt dressing or a great hummus like Sabra, and your guests will gobble them up! 

• Quick Jambalaya - This is such a great (and easy!) go to dish for a great carb to serve at your party. A creole classic, many recipes can be time consuming and involved, but really great Jambalayas I’ve had are quick and flavorful. Set a large tray out in a chafing dish, and the most you’ll have to do is worry about whether or not you have enough! 

• Caprese Skewers - One of my absolute favorite go to party snacks. Simply skewer a bocconcini mozzarella (bite size fresh mozzarella) with a cherry tomato and a fresh leaf of basil. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper and serve! 

• Caramelized onion dip - I don’t care what people have told me in the past. This recipe is always an amazing hit (not to mention gives you some great kudos for not using packaged spices and a jar of sour cream!) Serve with some classic, crispy potato chips like Dirty’s Sea Salted, and you’re good to go!

 The list could go on and on, but a spread like this will get you going for now. Combine a few of these with your own classics and you’ll be sure to please. Maybe you might even enjoy your party too!

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