Let's say you wanted to have a party...

just about a dozen people, nothing fancy, but something nice. No dinner, but finger food. Drinks, but not looking for everyone to get sloshed.

What would you get?

I know that trader joes has great apps and I think costco, too.

What could I also make?

What alcohol would you make sure to have on hand? I'm not looking to MAKE margaritas or dacquiris.

What else would you make sure to have?

Re: Let's say you wanted to have a party...

I usually make a big boozy punch - a nice Sangria or Champagne punch. I also have a few bottles of red wine, a few bottles or white and some blush on hand. I have beer in the fridge. Nobody really NEEDS hard alcohol at a casual little get together like you are describing.

I'd probably go with a couple of apps that could stay out and be picked at throughout the evening - crackers, cheese and dried sausage for one, a veggie crudite for another. And maybe a big platter of roasted shrimp cocktail.

Hot apps would probably be pigs in blanket (cause I love them), some mini grilled rye & cheese melts and since it's only a dozen folks I would probably do my lollipop lamb chops, some chicken skewers and maybe stuffed blt cherry tomatoes.

I'd pull out a tray of brownies and some fresh cut fruit for dessert - or a chocolate fondue with fruit and cheese.

Re: Let's say you wanted to have a party...

Everything above sounds delicious! When we have a casual get together, we'll do mozzarella, roasted peppers and basil (I get the jarred peppers, layer the three and put olive oil and balsamic on the side)...

I'll sometimes make homemade guac and some fun chips..I'll also cruise around Fairway for suggestions...oh, and hummus,pita, and veggies as well..mini quesadillas and sliders could work...I'm just brainstorming..if I get more ideas, I'll let you know..sounds like fun already!

Re: Let's say you wanted to have a party...

anything you can make ahead of time is fantastic. def veggies (from costco) and chips w/ dip and cheese n crackers. other stuff that's been successful are:
-sliced turkey sausage - i cook it in advance and then nuke it to make it hot
-bruschetta
-costco carries awesome crab or lobster dip
-shrimp cocktail (from costco or somewhere)
-dates with goat cheese - buy unpitted dates and fill center with plain goat cheese

Re: Let's say you wanted to have a party...

Great easy ideas! Thank you!