Christmas parties are my favorite!! I love to host, attend, be invited, all of it! There’s just something about opening your home during the holidays that is just so special to me. Today I’m sharing this amazing holiday Appetizer Buffet that will make your holiday entertaining so much easier! With a few pre-made platter purchases, plus my 3 easy appetizer recipes your next party will be a sure success!! I found great deals on party platters and pre-made appetizers at my local GIANT store for this easy spread.
I grew up with a mom who threw many holiday parties and made it look easy. I don’t remember her being stressed out or unable to enjoy the party because she was busy in the kitchen… and as I look back I see her secret…. finger food! She wasn’t stressed about food because it was all prepped ahead of time and needed very little work during the actual party. I’ve take this same approach to my holiday entertaining!
I’ve got three very easy appetizer recipes to share with you, but first I want to mention that I don’t make everything from scratch. Buying pre-made holiday platters and pre-cut veggies at GIANT really saved my time and energy and make throwing a party low-stress. I purchased Pre-cut veggies, Pre-prepared cheese platter and Nature’s Promise shrimp rings at 9.99 {WOW!} to start off my holiday appetizer buffet.
From there I added my Easy Spinach Dip Recipe, Garlic Cheese Spread and Tomato Bruschetta to the spread. The result was pretty great.
Garlic Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- You will need:
- 8 oz. container of Cream Cheese {softened}
- 2 Tbs minced garlic {I use from a jar}
- squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- Diced cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Leave the cream cheese out to soften {several hours} then mix in all the other ingredients. The shredded cheese may seem like a lot, but it will mix in. After its well mixed, put it in the fridge {or freezer if you are in a hurry} for a bit to chill. Top with the tomatoes for garnish. Use your favorite crackers and serve. Makes a great appetizer for just about any holiday party or dinner.
[mpprecipe-recipe:50]
[mpprecipe-recipe:5]
What are your favorite appetizer recipes? Do you have some go to holiday party short cuts? I highly encourage you to check out GIANT stores great selection of party “helpers”. Feed your friends without the stress, my goal is always to be able to enjoy my own parties… Also if you sign up online with GIANT new registrants with get a $5 gift card! Yeah! Even more savings for this holiday season. Check out all these fun things I picked up on my shopping trip to GIANT.
Ok! Let’s get partying and enjoying this holiday season. More family and friend time, less hassle – that’s my goal this holiday season! Share your tips in the comments please!
The Rambler says
This post made me excited and reminded me that you can still have a GREAT spread without hurting yourself (usually, what I’m doing to make things perferct, or trying to). I’m that new person in the kitchen and always feeling that peer pressure (of the internet haha) to make as much as you can from scratch. Happy Sigh. I used to make Brushchetta and I stopped for some reason so loved the reminder of this recipe. #TurnItUpTuesdays
Leanna says
Our major tradition for Christmas is Appetizers. They have pretty much replaced the big dinner. I prefer them as you can provide a different favorite for everyone in your family. My personal favorite is the brushetta, This recipes all look super good. Thanks for sharing
Rhonda says
Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best Linkup. I’m loving the dip and cheese spread recipes. I’ll be Pinning and making for my holiday gathering. Looking forward to seeing more recipes from you.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
Appetizers is how we do Christmas! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
Christine says
You know buffet means to me? All my favorites lined up in a row. That looks wonderful.
Emily says
yep! YUM!
Heidi says
Ok, your buffet looks awesome, but that plank wall behind it-swooning!
Emily says
ooo thanks!
Miz Helen says
I would love to come to your Holiday Appetizer Buffet, everything looks fantastic! I really appreciate you sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Regan says
Emily, your display and pictures are beautiful, and the recipes look amazing. This will be featured this week on Family Fun Friday.