Most people host a huge holiday party every other year… they need a ‘down year’ from all of the effort and expense.
Parties shouldn’t have to be stressful and extravagant to be fabulous – in fact, most great parties are just the opposite.
I’ve put together a budget friendly cocktail party menu for 20 that you can assemble in 2 hours for less than $50… now that is fun!
Jenny
I like to do one food display table that is the centerpiece of the party, then I’ll place little bowls of snacks – nuts, olives, chocolate, etc. – around the house. I’m a symmetrical person – I put two paper whites flanking the display with a boxwood wreath in the center. I like to use all cake stands as the platters to give everything a special spot.
Wild Mushroom, Chive and White Cheddar Quiche
Who says quiche is just for brunch? This tasty and simple wild mushroom, chive & white cheddar quiche is the perfect satisfying addition to a light hors d’oeuvres menu. I made this in a tart pan with removable sides so it would look pretty – I would cut this into square pieces to make it seem less ‘quiche-like.’ Get the Wild Mushroom, Chive and White Cheddar Quiche Recipe!
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
This is one of the most popular hors d’oeuvres I serve at my cocktail parties. It is made on puff pastry dough (that I buy frozen) so it is super easy, but impressive to serve. Get the Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart Recipe Here!
Canapes are hors d’oeuvres essentials – I made two varieties of canapes for this menu. Roasted Beef with a horseradish cream cheese is so simple and always the first to go. Get the Roasted Beef Canapes Recipe Here!
Roasted Red Pepper and Blue Cheese Canapes
You can put almost anything together on a slice of baguette and it will be delicious. I like this combination for its color and tangy bite. Get the recipe for these Roasted Red Pepper and Blue Cheese Canapes here!
Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Canapes
Who doesn’t like blue cheese and bacon? I always tell my Clients that these are the elegant solution to the potato skins that all men love… steamed gourmet fingerling potatoes topped with blue cheese and bacon. They are 1-2 bites of comfort goodness. I’ve also done varieties with mushrooms, cheddar, sour cream and even caviar for really special occasions. Get the recipe for Blue Cheese & Bacon Potato Canapes Here!
Here is the view from above – festive! Always use lots of votives on your food table… instant atmosphere.
A cocktail party wouldn’t be complete without a cocktail… this is an easy, less expensive spin on my favorite, Kir Royale. Kir Royales are typically made with Champagne and Chambord, a raspberry liqueur. I used the red raspberry and black berry gumdrop candies you can find anywhere… I found them at target for $1.50. They give a lot of berry flavor and great color to an inexpensive sparkling wine or Presecco, an Italian sparkling wine. Much cheaper than a $40 bottle of Chambord!