Easy entertaining may seem impossible during the harried holiday season, but an elegant yet simple cocktail party allows you to host a festive gathering with minimal fuss. All you need are four to five hors d'oeuvres, one signature cocktail (try a festive ruby-red pomegranate martini) and a few bottles of wine.
Hors d'oeuvres may sound fancy, but they are just small bites that your guests can nibble on while holding a drink. To guarantee easy entertaining, consider two factors when planning the menu: 1) the hors d'oeuvres need to be hearty enough to satisfy my guests, and 2) most dishes should be delicious at room temperature so that you can spend my time mingling in the living room rather than fussing in the kitchen.
Cheese Tray Ideas
Cocktail parties are fun because your guests can sample a variety of foods so include vegan hors d'oeuvres such as Roasted Vegetable Skewers. Cut zucchini, squash and red bell peppers into chunks. Toss these in a baking sheet with olive oil, minced garlic, and rosemary. Roast the vegetables for 20 - 25 minutes until they are tender yet firm enough to hold their shape. Alternate the vegetable pieces on small wooden skewers, and lay them in a row on a long rectangular plate.
How about your meat loving friends? Barbecue is the ultimate meat dish. However, instead of serving messy, sticky ribs try a twist on the classic. Spicy Meatballs elevate barbecue sauce out of your backyard and in to your living room.
Hosting a holiday cocktail party can be a breeze with these easy entertaining ideas. And since you have more time to spend with your guests, they will not only remember the good food, but the good friends and laughter as well.