Making It Easy

• Devise foods that go together simply and quickly. Avoid dishes that require painstaking serving techniques or last-minute preparation. Many party foods can be readied in advance, frozen, and heated as the guests arrive. As you plan, you need to weigh practical matters such as how much refrigerator or freezer space is available and how many appetizers you can heat at one time. Plan one or two hot appetizers that you can make ahead and heat at the last minute. For the rest of your menu, choose foods you can prepare ahead and serve without last-minute attention.
• You don't have to prepare a lavish spread by yourself. Supplement your own appetizers with selections from a gourmet shop, or cheeses, fruits, and nuts. Or, ask friends to share in the work. Let them bring a favorite appetizer to add to the array.
• Some hosts like to involve their guests in do-it-yourself serving by setting out the makings for snacks, such as mini-tacos or quesadillas, and letting guests put together their own appetizers. It makes preparation easier and encourages guests to mingle and get better acquainted.

• The amount you'll need will depend upon the number of guests, the types of appetizers, and the time of day. Appetites will be greater if it's close to dinnertime than they will be at a late-evening function. If a full dinner follows your appetizers, guests will eat about half of what they would at an all-appetizer party. For cocktail parties, plan on about 12 bite-size servings per person. Hot appetizers and shrimp are sure to go fast, so make plenty!
• Be prepared. It's always better to have too much food than to come up short. Keep extra prepared nibbles in your freezer, and have the makings for things that can be quickly assembled at the last minute in your pantry or refrigerator. Good options include crackers, cheeses, nuts, candies, smoked meats, olives, and vegetables for dipping.