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10 Guilty Pleasure Party Appetizers

12/9/2021

If you’re dieting for the holidays this year, you’ve come to the wrong place – the My Big Day team has rounded up ten of our favorite guilty pleasure party appetizers. No counting calories allowed!

Whip up any of these recipes (double or triple them to feed a crowd), and you’ll be getting all the compliments. To promote safe partying during the pandemic, we’ve chosen bite-sized apps for your guests. Bonus: Dishes are optional and clean-up is easy.

Whether you need a little help planning your next event, or want to show up the day-of with everything done, our team with over 15 years of experience in the event industry is here to help. Book now.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A little spicy? Yep. Super indulgent? Yes. Totally addictive? You bet.

Yield: 12 poppers

Ingredients

12 jalapeno peppers, approximately 3-4 inches long
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
½ c. mozzarella cheese
½ c. Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese
½ tsp. smoked or regular paprika
¼ tsp. garlic powder
⅛ tsp. onion powder
salt, to taste
12 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
24 toothpicks

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking pan with foil and place a baking/cooling rack on top, to keep peppers from getting soggy.
Wearing gloves, cut peppers in half and carefully remove seeds and membranes. A spoon is a great tool for this.
In a medium-sized bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the other cheeses and spices and mix until smooth and ingredients are evenly distributed.
Spoon cream cheese mixture into each pepper and level off the top. Wrap with half a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on prepared rack.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until crispy and slightly browned on top. If bacon is not crispy enough, turn to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully.

Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites

Quick and easy (only 4 ingredients!) and vegetarian.

Yield: 36 bites

Ingredients

6 8-inch tortillas
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp. everything seasoning, divided
2 tbsp. Butter

Directions

Divided equally, spread the cream cheese over the tops of the tortillas.
Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp. everything seasoning, roll up, and cut into 1-inch sections (six per tortilla, plus ends).
In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the tortilla bites, cut side down, and cook 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side. Serve warm.

Feta and Spinach Puff Pastry Appetizers

These fancy pastries look as good as they taste and are sure to impress. Vegetarian.

Yield: 27 pastries

Ingredients

16 oz. frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped, and squeezed dry
½ c. green onions, chopped
8 oz. crumbled Feta cheese
4 oz. Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ stick butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten, divided
3 sheets of puff pastry

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Using a cheesecloth or clean dish towel, squeeze a much water as possible out of chopped spinach and artichokes.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, green onions, cheeses, salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and two beaten eggs.
Roll each sheet of puff pastry out to 10x10 inches. Using a pizza cutter, divide each sheet of puff pastry into 9 equal squares.
Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray. Press each puff pastry square into the bottom and sides of the tins. Place a heaping tablespoon of spinach mixture into each square. Bring each corner up and twist to seal.
Brush additional egg onto each pastry. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Ritz Crackers Party Sandwiches

Yes, the nostalgic snack is still a party favorite. Customize with your own favorite cheese and meat, or cheese and roasted veggies.

Yield: 48 sandwiches

Ingredients

96 Ritz crackers (3 sleeves)
½ lb. thinly sliced deli ham
⅓ lb. thinly sliced swiss cheese
5 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tsp. dijon mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp. salt
2 tsp. poppy seeds
1 tsp. dried onion flakes

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place 24 crackers flat side down in the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. Tear the ham gently to create small strips, and gently fold a slice on top of each cracker.
Cut the cheese into 1-inch squares and place one piece on top of each piece of ham. Top each sandwich with another cracker, round side up.
Microwave butter until melted, about 45 seconds. Gently whisk in dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches, dividing evenly between the two pans. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and dried onion flakes.
Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crackers are lightly golden brown. Serve warm.

Crockpot Apple Butter and Bourbon Meatballs

Sweet and tangy. Add hot sauce for an extra kick.

Yield: 32 meatballs

Ingredients

⅔ c. apple butter
⅔ c. barbecue sauce
½ tsp. Hot sauce (optional)
⅓ c. bourbon
2 tbsp. Chili powder
32 oz. bag of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs

Directions

Combine apple butter, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and bourbon in a small bowl. Place meatballs in slow cooker.
Pour the apple butter and barbecue sauce mixture on top. Cook on low 2-3 hours and serve warm.

*On a time crunch? Place meatballs and sauce mixture in a saucepan and cook on medium low, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes or until meatballs are heated through.

Cranberry Havarti Bites

Decadent, creamy, and tangy.

Yield: 16 bites

Ingredients

Cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought (make sure it is cranberry sauce, not cranberry jelly – you’re looking for a jam-like consistency)
One puff pastry sheet
Sliced creamy havarti, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 egg, lightly beaten
Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat.
Unroll the pastry, then divide it into 16 small rectangles and brush with egg wash.
Drag a knife across each rectangle of dough along the edges to create a “crust.” Place a slice of havarti in the middle.
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Top each bite with cranberry sauce and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Cranberry Brie Crostini Bites

Cranberry + brie is a sophisticated holiday combo, and this recipe can be made in advance and then assembled in just minutes on party day.

Yield: 24 toasts

Ingredients

2 c. fresh cranberries
¼ c. packed brown sugar
1 orange, peeled and juiced (save the peels)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
1 baguette, sliced into 24 half-inch slices
1 tbsp. olive oil
½ tsp. salt
8 oz. brie, sliced into 24 pieces

Directions

Combine cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, orange peels, vanilla, and rosemary in a small pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer and stir frequently until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries are falling apart and a jam-like consistency has formed, 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and fish out orange peels and rosemary stems. If jam is too tart, add more brown sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Slice baguette into 24 half-inch slices. Brush each side with olive oil, then lay on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway.
To assemble the bites, top each toast with a slice of brie and a tablespoon of cranberry jam. Garnish with rosemary if desired. *Jam will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Twice Baked Potato Bites

Like a mini baked potato with all the toppings, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Yield: 12

Ingredients

12 small red and gold potatoes
2 tbsp. Cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp. Sour cream
½ c. cooked, crumbled bacon
2 tbsp. Chopped fresh chives
½ c. grated cheese of your choice
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper
Olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss potatoes with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Roast 25-30 minutes or until fork tender. Cool until they can be safely handled, about 20 minutes.
Slice off just the top of each potato and scoop out the insides with a small spoon or melon baller, leaving about ⅛ inch of potato. Put the scooped out potato into a bowl.
To the same bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream, ¼ c. grated cheese, ¼ c. crumbled bacon, and 1 tbsp. chopped chives. Mash and mix until smooth.
Fill potato shells with potato mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F 15-20 minutes until heated through. Top with remaining cheese and bacon and heat 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with remaining chives.

Antipasto Skewers

These snacking skewers are like a portable charcuterie board, without the touching-something-someone-else-has-touched.

Yield: 18 skewers

Ingredients

18 6-inch wooden skewers
18 cheese tortellini cooked and cooled
¼ c. Italian salad dressing or vinaigrette
18 large black olives, pitted
18 cubes havarti cheese (about 8 oz.)
18 slices of salami or prosciutto
18 cherry or grape tomatoes
18 to 36 fresh basil leaves
18 marinated mozzarella balls

Directions

After cooking tortellini, transfer to a container with a lid, and add dressing or vinaigrette. Toss lightly. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours, up to overnight, to marinate.
Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in any order you’d like. A pleasing order: olive, havarti, salami or prosciutto (folded), tortellini, tomato, basil, marinated mozzarella.

Mini Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls on a Pretzel Stick

These salty, satisfying game-day snacks make a popular party app.

Yield: 30

Ingredients

12 oz. softened cream cheese
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp. Dry ranch seasoning
1 c. (about 1 lb.) cooked, finely chopped bacon
1 tbsp. Parsley
30 pretzel sticks

Directions

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese. Add cheddar and ranch mix and beat until combined. In a small bowl, combine bacon and parsley.
Use a melon baller to scoop out a ball of the cheese mixture. Roll into a ball, then roll to coat in the parsley and bacon mixture. Repeat until all balls are made.
Place a pretzel stick in the middle of each cheese ball and serve.

Visit our Party Appetizers Pinterest board for many more party-worthy recipes. For more party planning tips and ideas, follow My Big Day on Facebook and Instagram.

How to Set Up a Self-Service Bar for Your Holiday Party

11/7/2021

Entertaining for the holidays can have you juggling many roles: chef, bartender, performer – even family mediator. Setting up a self-serve bar for your holiday party gives you more time to enjoy your guests, but it may not be as simple as you think. Here are some tips to DIY a successful self-serve bar for the holidays.

Keep the drink selection simple

As the party host, it’s up to you how many drink options you’d like to supply for your guests. You can stick to just beer and wine, add in a themed cocktail, or stock all the basics of a full bar and allow guests to create their own drinks. Here are some staples to consider:

Scotch
Vodka
Gin
Tequila
Rum
Red and white wine
Beer
Mixers like: club soda, cola, diet cola, tonic, lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, orange juice, and cranberry juice
Extras like: champagne, brandy, and pimms
Garnishes: orange peel, lime, lemon wedges, or other fruit

Pre-mix drinks

If you’d like to serve a signature cocktail hassle-free, you can pre-mix ingredients and serve them in a large beverage dispenser. To keep drinks cold without diluting them, chill ingredients thoroughly before mixing, then: add ice cubes made out of your non-alcoholic ingredients, add frozen fruit, or choose a beverage dispenser designed to keep liquids cold.

Write cocktail recipes for guests

If your guests like to be a bit more hands-on, you can provide the cocktail recipe and let guests mix their own drinks. Choose a signature cocktail or two and print the recipes on paper or cardstock, write them on a chalkboard, or even on a mirror. If a drink requires an exact measurement, be sure to have that measuring utensil available. Don’t forget to provide any garnishes.

Choose drinks that complement your theme or occasion

This is the fun part: brainstorming signature drinks to suit your party theme or occasion. Warm, rich drinks are welcome at a cozy fall or winter party. Traditional drinks like mulled wine are a festive addition to holiday parties. And fresh, fruity drinks are ideal for summer get-togethers. For ideas and inspiration, check out our list of eight signature cocktails for your next event or five fall-inspired cocktail recipes.

Purchase the right amount of alcohol for your party

Party duration, number of guests, type of alcohol, and type of party all affect how much alcohol you’ll need to purchase. This drink calculator from Evite is a great place to start.

Have supplies readily available

The supplies you’ll need depend on the complexity of your drink offerings. Even the most basic self-serve bar will need:

Glassware or cups
Corkscrew (if serving wine)
Cocktail napkins
Bar towel
Ice (and a serving utensil)
Trash can

Other supplies to consider include:

Jigger (measuring glass)
Shaker
Fruit and garnishes (pre-cut)
Drink stirrers
Cocktail shaker
Strainer
Champagne flutes
Short and tall glasses
Wine glasses
Stemmed cocktail glasses

eep your guests (and yourself) safe

With a self-serve bar, you won’t be able to keep track of how much alcohol each guest consumes. Look for signs of intoxication (loud speech, slurred speech, stumbling, rude behavior, etc.) and discourage any guests you suspect to be impaired from driving. Be ready to call ride services, offer a room for the night, or even to call police if things escalate. Check your local and state laws: As party host, you may be held responsible for the actions of impaired guests, even after they’ve left your property.

Sound like a lot? With some planning and drink prep, anyone can provide their own self-serve bar this holiday season. But if you’re short on time or just don’t feel ready, you can book all of these services with On the Rocks.

You’ll get a consultation with us to discuss drink ideas, how much alcohol you’ll need to purchase, and delivery coordination. On the day of your event, our TIPS-certified bartenders – trained in safe service and preventing drunk driving and underage intoxication – will serve your guests, so you can be worry free.

How To Be A SUPER Hostess!

8/19/2014

by Randi Juric, My Big Day

Being a good hostess doesn’t take a lot of skill. Being a good hostess is all about the timing and the come one come all attitude. All you need to remember is smiles, full drinks, full plates, great atmosphere. Here are a few structure points to being the best hostess you can be. As a hostess you are the greeter, server, entertainer, problem solver, and cleanup crew unless of course you hire someone for any of these jobs. Even if you hire someone a super hostess still eyeballs the help to make sure it’s getting done right. A great hostess can super charge the room just by their smile and presentation as you greet a guest. Be infectious and make the crowd happy and go lucky with a smile! We call that a Super Hospi Hostess, hospi stands for hospitality.

1.       Set a clear start and end:
When you send out an invite be sure you list time, place, start and end dates. This will allow people to plan for the event accordingly. This will also ensure your party loving friends don’t overstay their welcome. Be sure to add an RSVP due date for a better had count for your event.

2.       Confirmations:
Be prepared to make confirmation calls to those who haven’t RSVP yet. Always be sure to ask if you think you may need to make special accommodations for some one.

3.       Comfort:
When guests start to arrive be sure to make the rules clear “take your shoes off and head on in” or “There is/is not a smoking area out back”. Be sure you keep the environment comfortable for all guests and you too! Welcome them in and shoe them the layout. Everyone loves snacks and drinks, it’s the best part of the party!! Remember as your walking around mingling and welcoming new guests it’s OK to eyeball everyone’s plates and drinks. Be sure to ask in passing if they need a refill on any food or drink or if you can take their plate. Remember to SMILE SMILE SMILE!

4.       Mingle, Mingle, Mingle:
It is very important to mingle and mix things up. Walk around and talk with your guests, catch up and maybe get people who may not know each other to start a conversation. Keep your background music in mind should you decide to play some.

Always put together a playlist that fits your crowd and don’t play it too loud. We want the music to entertain but not blast away!

5.       Clean up:
Clean as you go! It makes things so much easier as you go to pick up and clean as your walking around mingling. Offer to take some ones trash for them. A hostess never leaves their guest with their hands full.

6.       The wind down and long good bye:
Read your crowd! Timing is everything on the wind down. About an hour to thirty minutes before your scheduled end time take the time to look around and see if your guests seem to be winding down or going strong. If they are winding down you can turn your music down in the background more and start cleaning up a little more heavily as you mingle and say your goodbyes to those leaving. You can also thank people for coming as you’re cleaning up in their area before you move on, this will give the guest the impression the party is coming to an end politely. On the other hand if your guests seem to still be going strong and you don’t have to be out by a specific time start asking for refills again or if you can get them anything else. You can also turn the music up just a smidge. Mingle and ask your guests if they have met so and so yet and see if you can make some new connections.

7.       The morning after:
Give some of your guests’ calls over the next week and thank them for coming again and see if they have any feedback for you good or bad, just listen to what they have to say there is always room for improvement. This helps you refine your hosting skills and see what works and doesn’t so well. This also gives you an opportunity to give more invites if you have other events you want to have some guests to join. Your guests will love the follow up and the time you took to say thank you again. It leaves a great impression that you cared to call them and ask if they had a good time.

These hostess tips have been brought to you by My Big Day Events!
Serving the Front Range, Mountains and S. Wyoming.
Parties - Planning - Weddings & More!

10 Guilty Pleasure Party Appetizers

How to Set Up a Self-Service Bar for Your Holiday Party

How To Be A SUPER Hostess!

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