Friday, December 12, 2008

Mix and Match Your Holiday Party

Will you be hosting a party this season? I have a Mix-and-Match formula to help you decide what to serve so you will have the greatest party ever! Your guests will appreciate the extra touches you add to make the party special.

The best part of this scheme is that most of the items can be found in your grocery store! For an even tastier option, these items can be purchased at a gourmet store or online from my website 'Party in a Bag'. In every case, you can pull together your party in 30 minutes or less!

Just pick one or two items from each category and you are on your way to a wonderful party! I'll show you a few combinations at the end of this article.

Cheese
  • Chevre
  • Gouda - Regular or Smoky
  • Cheddar - Mild, Medium, or Sharp
  • Gloucester
  • Brie / Camembert
  • Swiss
  • Provolone
  • Parmesan
  • Blue / Stilton
  • Mozzarella Balls
  • Cream Cheese Block
  • Cheese Balls or Logs


Meat

  • Wings
  • Meatballs
  • Summer Sausage
  • Prosciutto
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Shrimp
  • Crab
  • Deli Ham
  • Deli Beef
  • Deli Turkey
  • Mini Quiche
  • Pate


Fruit & Veggie

  • Veg Tray (Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes)
  • Red and Green Bell Peppers
  • Endive
  • Snow Peas
  • Asparagus
  • Mushrooms
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Apricots
  • Figs
  • Honey Dew / Melon
  • Strawberries
  • Kiwi
  • Star Fruit


Dip / Salsa

  • Basil Pesto
  • Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
  • Ranch Dressing
  • Blue Cheese Dressing
  • Guacamole
  • Pepper Jelly
  • Tomato Salsa
  • Mango Salsa
  • Peach Salsa
  • Artichoke Dip
  • Spinach Dip
  • Curry Dip
  • Dill Dip
  • Tamarind Spread
  • Bruschetta Topping
  • Jams and Jellies
  • Pasta Sauce


Chutney / Relish

  • Mango Chutney
  • Olive Tapenade
  • Garlic Mustard
  • Horseradish Mustard
  • Farmhouse Chutney
  • Apple Cranberry Chutney
  • Pineapple Chipotle Salsa
  • Sun Dried Tomato / Olive Relish
  • Pomegranate Cranberry Chutney
  • Hot Pepper Raspberry Preserves


Crackers / Bread

  • Water Crackers
  • Savory Herb Crackers
  • Roasted Garlic Crackers
  • Spring Onion Crackers
  • Blue Cheese Sesame Seed Crackers
  • Asiago Cheese Crackers
  • Rosemary Parmesan Crackers
  • Aged Cheddar Beer Crackers
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Potato Chips
  • Corn Chips
  • Pita Chips
  • Bagel Chips
  • Baguette Chips
  • Baguette
  • Mini Toasts
  • Bread Sticks
  • Cheese Sticks
  • Pizza Dough


Special Touch

  • Mixed Nuts
  • Spiced Pecans
  • Roasted Peanuts
  • Sesame Nut Mix
  • Cashews
  • Almonds, Any Flavor
  • Olives, Any Flavor / Stuffing


Don't forget the Essentials

  • Ice
  • Beverages
  • Napkins
  • Plates, Cups or Glasses, and Utensils for Eating
  • Bowls, Plates, and Utensils for Serving
  • Lightening and Decorations to Fit Theme
  • Music and Games to Fit Theme
  • Party Favors or Gifts to Fit Theme


Just a Few Ideas for Winning Combinations from my website 'Party in a Bag':

Meatball Magic Party

  • Cheese: Swiss Wedge or Gouda Ball
  • Meat: Meatballs
  • Fruit / Veggie: Endive, Cherry Tomatoes, Baby Carrots, Red and Green Bell Peppers
  • Salsa / Dip: Basil Pesto and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto (for cheese and veggies)
  • Chutney / Relish: Mango Chutney (for meatballs and cheese)
  • Crackers / Bread: Sea Salt Pita Chips, Spring Onion Crackers
  • Special Touch: Valdosta Spiced Pecans


Tex-Mex Party

  • Cheese: Sharp Cheddar Wedge or Slices
  • Meat: Buffalo Wings
  • Fruit / Veggie: Celery, Carrots, Ripe Olives, and Sliced Apples
  • Salsa / Dip: Blue Cheese Dressing (for wings and veggies)
  • Chutney / Relish: Farmhouse Chutney (for cheese and apples)
  • Crackers / Bread: Tortilla Chips, Water Crackers
  • Special Touch: Smokehouse Almonds


Deli Delight Party

  • Cheese: Deli Sliced Swiss, Cheddar, and Provolone
  • Meat: Deli Sliced Ham, Beef, and Turkey
  • Fruit / Veggie: Veg Tray, Sliced Pears
  • Salsa / Dip: Vindaloo Curry Sauce (for veggies and dollop on canapes)
  • Chutney / Relish: Apple Cranberry Chutney (for pears and canapes), Horseradish Mustard (for beef)
  • Crackers / Bread: Roasted Garlic Crackers, Mini Toasts
  • Special Touch: Golden Roasted Peanuts


Easy Elegance Party

  • Cheese: Brie Round
  • Meat: Smoked Salmon
  • Fruit / Veggie: Grapes, Endive, Snow Peas, Asparagus Spears
  • Salsa / Dip: Dill Dip (for veggies and salmon)
  • Chutney / Relish: Mango Chutney (for cheese)
  • Crackers / Bread: Blue Cheese Sesame Seed Crackers, Water Crackers
  • Special Touch: Citrus Stuffed Gourmet Olives


Enjoy your party!
Liz Randall and Family

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