Not to Impress, But to Bless
A great way to kick off a company meal is with hors d'oeuvres!
I rarely serve appetizers on our regular Sunday afternoons with our children and grandchildren, although if I know that lunch will take longer than usual to prepare, I sometimes plan a nibbly little something to keep hungry kids (and adults) happy. But for parties, and for holiday meals, I find it helpful to have some yummy hors d'oeuvres at the ready!
I rarely serve appetizers on our regular Sunday afternoons with our children and grandchildren, although if I know that lunch will take longer than usual to prepare, I sometimes plan a nibbly little something to keep hungry kids (and adults) happy. But for parties, and for holiday meals, I find it helpful to have some yummy hors d'oeuvres at the ready!
- A pretty tray of hors d'oeuvres is welcoming.
- Many hors d'oeuvres can be prepared ahead, freeing you to put the final touches on your meal.
- Appetizers can "break the ice," encouraging people to talk and mingle.
- Hors d'oeuvres stave off hunger pangs if the main course is not quite ready (ask me how I know), or if you're waiting for other guests to arrive. It takes the pressure off of me as a hostess, knowing that my guests are not starving as they wait for the meal to be served.
It helps to collect a few "go to" appetizer recipes, ones that are simple to prepare.
Some of my favorites:
- Green pepper jelly and cream cheese with crackers
- Fresh veggies and dill dip
- Sliced apples and caramel dip
- Bruschetta
- Spinach Artichoke Dip with blue tortilla chips
Wacky party idea:
What about an appetizer party? Just serve hors d'oeuvres or finger foods! Even wackier...ask each of your guests to bring an appetizer to accompany the one or two you prepare! Sound like easy peasy fun?
Tomorrow I will share the recipe for one of my "go to" appetizers.
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Do you like to serve hors d'oeuvres? Do you have a "go to" recipe to ease with planning?
I love parties where the food is all "nibbly things"! For the past several years on New Year's Eve we have friends over for an evening of games and food... Nibbles are perfect for that kind of gathering. My favorites to eat are the kinds you dip! My most favorite kinds to serve are things that I feel safe leaving out all evening and dont require reheating.
ReplyDeleteI have never done this. Since I am a "dinner is at one" person and you'd best be here if you want hot food, this would just toss a clink into my agenda. Don't I sound like Attila the Hun? Ha! I do love the sound of appetizers only, though.
ReplyDeleteNot to impress but to bless. This is the first and most amazing thing that I learned 12 years ago when our family made the decision to join the church fellowship that we call family now. I had NEVER been around such humble, loving, real, generous people ..ever, and it spoke volumes to me. I've changed so much as a result of true hospitality. So, you keep doing what you're doing. There are so many people who have never been encouraged in this concept before and who's life will be liberated by your gracious how to's!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
I love serving a little nibble before the meal. It says "welcome" to me, and sort of helps break the ice.
ReplyDeleteAppetizers are a delight. I like to bake a round of brie in crescent roll dough with marmalade on the brie in the dough. And eat on crackers.
ReplyDeleteYour pepper jelly & cream cheese is so yummy. We usually do an appetizer party aka "a dippy dinner" for our Christmas eve party. Easy but yet so tasty.
ReplyDeleteI've had appetizer parties before! They are so fun! Easy - especially if you have everyone bring an appetizer to share!
ReplyDeleteDeanna