Party Food
Party Countdown
Serving appetizers at your next gathering? Use these guidelines as you plan and shop:
- Plan on serving three different appetizers for 8 – 10 guests.
- Serve four or five kinds of appetizers for 12 – 16 guests.
- Plan on six appetizers (at least one of them a hot selection) for a guest list of 18 – 30 people.
- When entertaining 32 – 46 guests, serve seven types of appetizers (at least one of them hot).
- For 46 guests or more, you’ll want to offer at least eight appetizers, at least two of which should be hot.
When serving…
- Shrimp/other seafood: 3 – 4 pieces per person.
- Veggies/dip: about 3 tablespoons dip and about 2 ounces of veggies per person.
- Fruit/dip: about 3 tablespoons dip and about 1 cup of fruit per person.
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Make Your Own Party Tray
Everybody loves a generously filled meat-and-cheese tray at a gathering. The meats and cheeses are tasty, filling, and relatively guilt-free snacks, and there’s almost always a variety or two on the tray to satisfy anyone’s preferences.
Many people choose to purchase a pre-made party tray in the deli. This is a great time-saver, and for many hosts is worth the extra you’ll pay for the convenience. But if you want to be creative—or if you’re on a budget—or both!—making your own party tray is quite simple if you follow these tips.
- Plan on approximately 1/4 to 1/3 lb. of meat and/or cheese per person. This is just a guideline, of course—appetites and tastes will vary.
- Purchase a variety of meats: turkey; roast beef; ham; and a few spicier options such as pepperoni, prosciutto, or Genoa salami. The key is variety in taste, texture, and color.
- Choose several cheeses: again, you’ll want a mixture of colors as well as a range of flavors from mild Muenster and Colby to those with more tang such as Swiss, sharp Cheddar, pepper jack, or Gouda.
- Look for what’s on special. If you stock up on a specially priced variety, just make sure you fill in the gaps with lesser amounts of other varieties.
- Choose large, sturdy trays or platters. If you don’t own something just right, very inexpensive plastic trays are available at party stores and discount department stores.
- Prepare meats by rolling up larger slices and slicing each “log” into smaller, bite-sized pieces. For round slices, either cut in half or fold into quarters.
- For cheeses, cut into slices, cubes, and/or strips so you have a variety of shapes.
- Insert toothpicks into each piece or, if preferred, set out toothpicks for guests to use to secure the items they want. Alternately, have a meat fork and/or small tongs available for guests to use. Have small plates and cocktail napkins available as well.
- Consider adding celery sticks, mini carrots, radishes, pickles, olives or grape tomatoes for additional color and variety.
Arranging the Tray
- Line your tray or platter with fresh lettuce leaves.
- Alternate colors and shapes, e.g., don’t put two different yellow cheeses next to one another.
- If you plan to include a dip or other condiment to the tray, place it in the center of the tray before arranging the meats and cheeses.
- Think symmetry as you arrange your meats and cheeses.
- Alternatively, start arranging slices/cubes in the center of the tray, working outward to create a spiral design.
- Fill in spaces between meats and cheeses with fresh veggies, if so desired.
- Garnish the tray with fresh parsley or other fresh green herbs.
In a hurry? If you’re a Hy-Vee customer, order a pre-made DI LUSSO® Deli Tray!
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