I always try to have something sweet, something salty, and something healthy. For sweet, make bar cookies or homemade candy. They can be done in advance. Salty...bread and cheese things, homemade cheese sticks (another make ahead) sausage/cheese/biscuit mix balls. For healthy fruit or cut up vegetables. I serve a punch made with frozen cranberry juice reconstituted with a lemon-lime beverage or champagne ( if you want alcohol). The red is really pretty at Christmas. Have fun with it

Ham Rollups-take a slice of prepackaged ham-dry with paper toweling-spread cream cheese to edge-put a dry slice of pickle down the middle-roll up into a tube-refrigerate for 2 hours, then slice into pinwheels and put on plate for serving-you can make some plain and some with pickles-all are pretty as an appetizer

I just remembered a cold app. That I used to make that leant some thing not-so-rich to the buffet. Use a round platter and shape a wreath on it out of broccoli florets. Scatter other green veggies on it like pea pods and strips of green pepper. Use a red pepper and cherry tomatoes on the wreath to add some color. You can even fashion a bow out of red pepper pieces to the bottom of the wreath. Place a bowl of dip in the center, any kind. Can be assembled early in the day, covered with Saran and chilled. Very festive, easy and do-ahead! HTH. Enjoy!

Don't forget to make some Chex party mix, too! Our family get-togethers just don't seem complete without party mix.

Deviled eggs, they can be done ahead, most people love em!

I have the most wonderful dip recipe and I will get it off the frige and bring it tomorrow

Seven layer dip, Cream cheese block with Raspberry/chipotle sauce over it and topped with fresh raspberries, Orange chicken from Costco's - spear each piece with a pretzel stick, mini quiches from Sam's, are just a few off the top of my head.

I used an electric skillet on low and had cheese sticks with marinara sauce, everyone loved them.

Don't forget the homemade banana pudding and a miracle whip chocolate cake with your offerings. Always a big hit with my big informal gatherings.
If people are dropping in during the whole night, I make pretty ICED meat, vegetable and fruit trays. Really great sandwich rolls and cookies and candy dishes filled to the brim! I put out pickle, olive and relish dishes and a couple great potato salad or macaroni salad dishes. Don't forget the decorations like a beautiful fresh bouquet of roses or carnations that smell up the place and fancy paper plates and napkins (if informal) or the good stuff if formal. Put something outside at the front door to welcome everyone like a decorated sled or ski's. People will be impressed before they step into the house. Remember to put the serving tongs, forks and spoons in each dish. Then set up a drinks area with tea, sodas , ice, coffee, creamer, sugar, alcohol, glasses, cups and spoons. Much of this can be set up the day before.

Make yourself a list of to do things and a list for shopping. Lots of these items can come from the deli or great bakery in your neighborhood. Who will know if you put them out onto your pretty platters? Check it off as you go and remember to slow down during the party and smile. Be dressed at least an hour ahead of the party. Greet each person as they arrive and try to mingle with them all. A good hostess is organized enough to enjoy her own party. Put on some great music soft in the background. It sets the mood. Take pictures so you can sit back and remember your first hostess experience.

I know you can have a good time and look like a pro. Just get organized and go for it.

One of our family's simplest, and favorite, finger foods is Crab Dip. Couldn't be easier.

8 oz. cream cheese (regular or low-fat/neuftachel type)
1 bottle shrimp cocktail sauce
1 can canned crab
Crackers

Spread the cream cheese in a thin layer onto a plate (about 10-12 inches or so). Spread with enough cocktail sauce to cover lightly. Open crab, drain any liquid, and sprinkle over the sauce. That's it! Easy peasy. We like it with Ritz or Wheat Thins, but goes great with any crackers.