My philosophy when it comes to planning a menu for a party is pretty much this: what will taste delicious and be really easy to throw together. I don't like spending a whole party in the kitchen by myself. No thank you.
If I'm preparing for a dinner party with multiple courses, then I do anticipate more prep work. But for our housewarming party, I had decided to just serve small, bite-sized items. And if folks ended up staying later, we could always order pizza. 🙂
Anyway, I thought I'd share three appetizers I served in case any of you have a party coming up that you'd want some ideas for.
First up, I "made" these blueberry ricotta toasts. They are topped with honey and a little salt + pepper. I like to serve them with a fragrant herb on the serving board since they don't have a strong aroma. I used basil (because I already had some), but rosemary or sage would be a good option as well.
I toasted the bread the day before the party and stored it in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Then about forty-five minutes before guests arrived, I spread on the ricotta and topped with blueberries and honey. Easy.
If I had been ambitious, I could have made my own ricotta. But… I was not that week. 🙂
Second, I made watermelon and feta skewers. I can't remember where I first had this combination together. I feel like it was at someone's wedding reception. Hmm. I don't remember. But the juicy, sweet watermelon goes great with sharp feta. I don't have a photo of the table, but I served this along side a balsamic vinegar reduction guests could drizzle or dip with. But these are great without that too.
The only trick to preparing these is to cut the watermelon into cubes about the same size as your feta cubes. This makes for a pretty presentation. Also, remember to buy a seedless watermelon to save your guests some trouble. 🙂
These mini cheddar tomato tarts were the most difficult item on the menu, but they were also my favorite. They sort of taste like pizza, so of course I loved them. 🙂
You simply cut out small circles (or hearts) of puff pastry with a cookie cutter. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle on a little white cheddar cheese (shredded), then top with a tomato slice. Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown and look crispy. Top with a little basil leaf (or just chopped basil) just before serving.
I made my tarts earlier in the day and just rewarmed them in the oven before guests arrived.
Now I want pizza.
Thanks for letting me share! If you have any easy party recipes you're known for making, tell us. xo. Emma
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
All of these ideas are wonderful. I must try them. Thanks for the Inspo. Love all of your stuff
Rosie
www.rosedogandco.blogspot.com.au
So simply, but yet so great. Love it!
Wow, they really look great! Can’t wait for a party to show these off.
Love, Maxime ~ fortifesti.blogspot.nl
I don’t know why but whenever I have a party I must make brie bites! A little bit of brie slightly melted into a flaky crust? Then topped with some raspberry jam? Yes please! My sister would fall in love with those tomato tarts!
These are so cute! I love how I can connect with your blog so easily and the photography is stunning!
Janet Little
A Little South
www.alittlesouth.com
Not only do those sound delicious, but they look great too! xo
EsraSevgi.com
I’m definitely trying the last one!
www.eatwearwander.com
These look amazing. Such a lovely selection of treats! I’d love to eat them all! I like that they’re all veggie friendly too!
What a cute idea for Valentine’s Day! Tasty and romantic x
The Italian favourite of Parma ham with melon is always a fave. I just love anything that allows me to make cute little melon balls. Skewers of rolled up pieces of Parma ham and melon balls look so beautiful, almost toy like. Especially if you use different coloured melon balls on one skewer.
I love this! Such a great list of appetizers, and I love how each dish is displayed! SO lovely!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
For a party I held recently I bought a premade pizza dough and covered it with goat cheese, red onion and rosemary. After baking, I cut in small snack-size pieces.
I would have never thought to pair watermelon and feta cheese, but that really does sound amazing. And like it would go over really well at a party.
Thanks for these tips! I’m planning our own housewarming for this October! I know those cheddar tomato tarts will be a hit. At parties we’ve served scewers with a little mozarella ball, snack tomato and a basil leave, a golden combination!
I love those adorable little heart-shaped tarts! Cute and delicious.
xoxo
Taylor
these snacks look perfect!! love!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
I’m digging those cheddar tomato tarts. The heart is so cute & I am obsessed with anything pizza-esque. :] // http://www.itscarmen.com ☼ ☯
Those blueberry tarts look so beautiful!! Can’t wait to serve these soon.
You had me at the blueberry toasts…Have to make and thanks for sharing 😉 Love that these are all so easy to make!
You folks in Greece know how to do it right I guess, love that combo. 🙂
-Emma