Food ideas for Xmas get-together
 

This year, our family has decided to have a get-together on Xmas Eve, 7-9 p.m..... first time for doing it.
I am hosting this year. Instead of a big meal, I plan to have just hot and cold appetizers and beverages,........ many family members will be attending other functions later in the evening.
I would appreciate ideas on quick and easy appetizers. I want to have most of the preparations done beforehand so that I can enjoy spending time with family.

I know some of you are used to doing this but hosting this is a first-time thing for me.
Looking forward to your suggestions/tips.
Thank you.

Meatballs in the crockpot are always a hit at my house. Pre made frozen meatballs & any number of recipes for sauce like the grape jelly/chili sauce one. Warm spinach dip, cheeseball- I love having things done ahead of time too.

Keep It Simple .. so you don't spend the time fussing.
You'll enjoy it more, as will others.

How many people you are expecting, will determine how broad and vast a menu you will need.

For any hots, use your crockpot(s) to keep things warm.

A cheese tray is always popular ... four cheeses is all you need.
1. a basic favourite, such as cheddar
2. something more pungent, such as blue cheese
3. something creamy and spreadable, such as an herbed cream cheese
4. something conversational, such as chocolate cheese, or a wine cheese, or maple cheese, etc.
Put each out in its block form and let them cut their own, small or large, as they choose. In reality, you will discover less will be used. Plus it will not dry out as much, as would with small pieces. Besides, what do you do with a bunch of leftover dried up pieces! Bonus ... less prep work for you! :D

Then have 3 or 4 different cracker/bread types.

Chicken wings and a hot nacho dip with tortilla chips are always a favorite at my house.

Tortilla Roll-Ups.....the ingredient possibilities are endless.....spread flour tortillas with cream cheese, top with green chilies, or green onions, ham, etc. etc. and roll up. Slice for serving. Easy to make ahead too.

-Li'l Smokie sausages in barbecue sauce in a crock pot with tooth picks for serving (Super easy)
-Hot artichoke dip in a bread bowl with break cubes and crackers
-Pickle tray with all sorts of pickles and olives
-Asparagus rolled up with ham and a mustard dipping sauce

Red Lobster style biscuits

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/330/Red_Lobster_Biscuits14007.shtml

mini crescent pigs in a blanket

http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/min...e-23b677a161ac

pizza pinwheels with crescents

http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/piz...2-85b70215807a

for some tasty items that work at room temp as well as being warm

NEIMAN MARCUS DIP

Love this!!

Ingredients
1/4 cup sliced almonds
4 slices real bacon, cooked,crumbled and cooled
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 green onion, sliced thinly
1/2 cup mayonnaise ( not Miracle whip...mayo!!)
salt


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Spread almonds on a cookie sheet and toast for 10 minutes.
Let cool.
Combine all ingredients until well mixed.
Serve with crackers or apple slices.

OMG!!!!

Fondue is coming back. Use a smaller crockpot with melted chocolate and lots of things to dip. I use strawberries, bananas, cut up angel food cake, simple vanilla cookies, etc.

I enjoy doing a Brie cheese appy….Buy the wheel, slice in half cross the wheel, fill with (I use) bing cherry preserves (not quite to the edge of the cheese) wrap in Crescent dinner roll pastry and bake following directions for timing.
With a bit of the pastry, you can make a design for the top…It is quite festive when sliced into and the preserves show…...