Let’s talk food, shall we?

 

Like, we don’t already do this every day over here anyways, but whatever.  Specifically party food!  It’s summer, so I’m on a bit of a party kick!  As you may have already seen here.  You know what I love?  A quick and easy appetizer.

 

Every good party needs food.   A party at my house?  Needs lots of food!  Heck, my house needs a lot of food pretty much 24/7, so you can imagine how that multiplies when people are over!  “What?  I have to share!?!?  Well, we’ll need a lot more then!”  When I put together a menu for a party, I consider a few things,

 

• Variety- some hot, some cold, some vegetarian, some not so vegetarian (Read: Bacon!) you get the idea!

• Ease of execution- sounds fancy, but basically, can I whip these up in a flash?  Also, can they be made ahead of time?  This is more for your sanity than anything.  Never under estimate how much there is to do before a party!

• Are the options relatively healthy?  I try.  Most of the time anyways.  You should at least attempt to supply some healthier options, all things fried food won't appeal to every one.  

• Easy to eat.  This is not the time for knives and forks and napkins and bibs.  Ok, well maybe napkins, but that’s pretty much it!  Party food should be easy to enjoy.  This will also encourage your guests to take more.  If it looks difficult or complicated, they’ll often pass.  Especially if you're not well acquainted the guests, they won't feel as comfortable in your home, so will be even less likely to take something, even if they want it, if it looks difficult.  So small, bite size, easy to grab and eat pieces are the key!

 

How much?  

 

This all depends on a few things.  

1) Length of party- If a party is 2-3 hours, you need about 4-5 pieces per person.  I add a multpilier if alcohol is being consumed.  If you think an above average amount of alcohol will be consumed (say a bachelorette party), add 1 or 2 more pieces.   

 

2) Time of party- If your party falls within standard meal times, say 6-8 pm, you need much more food, people will be hungry and sort of expecting a meal.  If you throw a bridal shower and list the time as 12pm-3pm, people WILL be expecting lunch.  

 

Here's some math;  

 

Say you're having an evening cocktail party to meet new neighbors.  The times are 8pm-11pm.  You're expecting 20 ppl.

 

You want 3-4 options, at least one, if not 2 being vegetarian.  Especially in this setting where you won't necessarily know the eating habits of your guests, better to be safe.  Then you should make/order 1-1.5 pieces of each appetizer per person.  So 20 people, 20-30 pieces of each appetizer (more or less depending on how popular you think they'll be, FYI, as much as you'd like it to be, the healthier options are never as possible.  The easiest to eat options always get eaten faster.)  So finally 60-120 pieces total.  If you're thinking people will be drinking, go with the higher quantity, even possibly adding a bit more.  

 

 

 

Need a easy and healthy recipe?  Check out these Greek Yogurt Cheese Stuffed Tomato Bites.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These little bites totally fit into any party menu!  They’re cold, vegetarian (unless you go and add bacon, which would be a totally awesome idea!) they’re super easy to make, and a lot of it can be made a head of time!  Oh and most importantly (??) they’re really like, umm, good for you!  So whip these up and dig in.  If you’re having people, make sure to make about 3,000.  1 for you.  2,999 for me. yup.