2009 Appetizer Suggestions for Christmas
If you're planning a Christmas party and serving appetizers, this is the time to really go all out and make it special. This doesn't mean spending a lot of money or spending hours planning, cooking and cleaning however. By using some old standards and adding some dishes with a real wow factor and then taking help with some store bought ingredients, you will be guaranteed to wow your guests.
First step is setting the mood. Have some holiday music going, light scented candles and have them placed throughout the home; the candles smell good and they really add a nice touch. If you want to have your home smell really great, simmer some cinnamon sticks on the stove in a little water. Your whole home will smell delicious. Just be sure to check often that the water doesn't evaporate.
To serve, plan items that are hot and cold, some that can be prepared in advance and some store bought. Make a list of what you are serving and the ingredients needed.
Cold items
Deviled eggs
They are always a hit. People will even mention that they love them but always forget about making them. Top with a little paprika for color and you can even use a pastry bag to pipe the filling in to the whites.
Cheese and crackers
Try to find some common and uncommon variety. Make labels for the cheese and serve with an assortment of crackers. On the platter, decorate with grapes.
Roast Beef with Asparagus
Take thinly sliced roast beef and spread with a little horseradish then wrap it around a lightly steamed or blanched asparagus spear.
Caprice Salad
Serve a salad or slices of tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese. Top with a light drizzle of olive oil.
Hot items
Crab cakes
These can be purchased from the store in the frozen food section and baked right before your guests arrive. Serve with little crackers and cocktail and tarter sauce
Spiced Shrimp or shrimp cocktail
This can be made a head of time and served cold. Place the shrimp on a platter with a bowl or cocktail sauce in the center
Baked Brie
Take a large wheel of Brie cheese and place in the center of a thawed puff pastry piece. Cook mushrooms, chopped, in a little olive oil and butter. Once the mushrooms are browned, add salt and pepper and about cup of wine. Cook on low heat until the wine boils down and is absorbed. Top the Brie with the mushroom mixture, fold the puff pastry around the Brie and bake according to the package directions, or until lightly browned.
Deserts
Assorted pastries
These can be purchased at the bakery, just buy the mini ones that one serving.
Sheet cake
Order a sheet cake decorated with a Christmas theme.
Drinks
Serve wine, a signature cocktail, eggnog and water and sodas. Set up a table where people can get their own soda and water and have an ice bucket, cups and a selection of soda's. A pitcher of water with sliced lemon is an option instead of bottled water.
Enjoy the party and keep in mind you want things as easy as possible. Keeping the food buffet style will really help and use the store bought disposable utensils for easy clean up. If you, as the host, are comfortable and having fun, your guests will, too.
