A collection of 17 festive appetizers and 5 fun co*cktails to make your holiday party outstanding!
How in the world is it December? I feel like I say it every year, but seriously? It's December? It can't be possible. Partly because the year went entirely too fast and partly because I'm not at all prepared for Christmas and all the craziness this month is about to bring. Alas, the calendar says Dec. 1. Better buck up.
Instead of putting my head down and checking names off my gift list and figuring out when I'm ever going to feel like addressing ALL of those holiday cards (and whether I even have the right addresses), I'm going to pause and celebrate the fun - it is PARTY TIME people! All the parties... the dinners, the co*cktail nights, the friend get togethers, the neighborhood gatherings, the office obligatory party, the cookie exchanges... It's basically a throw-down all month long. And I'm gonna be ready for that, if nothing else. Priorities. (And lots of babysitters. Sigh, lots of babysitters.)
So here's a collection of great seasonal recipes for your holiday party, either at your house or hopefully, someone else's... which means you can leave that pile of laundry in the hallway. (Is that just me?) Take a break from the stress this time of year can bring and feast your eyes on these lovely recipes!
OK, and a bonus! One of my favorites at the holidays: Easy vegetable squares
And what's a party without co*cktails? Here are 5 fun ones to try this holiday season. Hopefully not all in the same night, but hey, I'm not judging... 😉
Love this roundup! Thanks for including my mojito recipe!
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Kathryn
Thanks Mira! I can't wait to try that mojito! Cheers 🙂
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Tania | My Kitchen Stories
Oh wow how incredibly useful. What a great roundup. happy december
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Kathryn
Happy December to you, Tania! Hope you find some good party inspiration here 🙂
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Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Girl, I'm not feeling the holiday cheer this year, so I NEED everything on this list. Well, really I want to sit at home in my pj's and eat and drink everything on this list! I'm still loving your holiday hummus! Fab round up, my dear! Cheers! < 3
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Kathryn
You can totally have a PJ co*cktail party all by yourself with some yummy treats - that sounds pretty amazing actually! Sending some cheer vibes your way girl! XO
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Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life
Girls night in is going to be delicious! Thanks for all the great ideas!
A co*cktail party is a party at which co*cktails are served. It is sometimes called a co*cktail reception. A co*cktail party organized for purposes of social or business networking is called a mixer.
Six to eight bites per hour per person seems to be the logical planning number for a co*cktail party, and people will eat more of the more popular foods like cheeses, meats and shrimp. This is a great party to have at 5 p.m., especially since you are not providing dinner.
Additionally, fruits, vegetables, and dips are great snacks to serve alongside beer, wine, or co*cktails. Finally, nuts and other salty snacks are perfect for balancing out the sweet and tart flavors of most alcoholic beverages.
Generally, plan for 2-3 appetizers per person, per hour if served before or after meal times, and 5-6 pieces per person, per hour if served as a meal. Food is a big part of any party, and you should especially provide food at any party where alcohol is served.
What Time Should A co*cktail Party Start? The typical time to host a co*cktail party is between 6 to 8 pm. co*cktail parties generally last for only about 2-3 hours. By providing an end time, your guests can make plans afterwards and you won't be left with a guest who overstays their welcome.
Have a few speeches (keep it short and sweet since guests are mostly standing), do the first dance and then start the dance party portion of the night. You can also start the night off with appetizers and champagne (a co*cktail hour, during a co*cktail party) then move into food stations later on in the evening.
What is not acceptable for co*cktail attire? Best to avoid anything too casual or too formal. Leave the jeans, T-shirts, and casual sandals at home, and save the full-length gowns for a black-tie affair. It's all about striking that perfect balance.
The food you serve at a co*cktail party definitely does not need to count as dinner. But there should always be snacks, and all those snacks should be bite-size and easy to eat without utensils.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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