Where did the summer go? ‘Tis the season and it’s coming quickly! It’s already time to send out Christmas party invitations and start planning the menu. Here are some of my tips for organizing and hosting a fabulous and stress-free holiday soiree:
*Guest list and invitations: Determine your guest list early. Consider the size of your venue. Send invitations with clear details and an RSVP deadline well in advance.
*Decorations and ambiance: Think about your décor, the theme and music. Festive lighting and a great playlist are essential for setting the mood.
*Flow of the party: Arrange furniture to offer clear pathways and comfortable mingling spaces. Separate the food and beverage stations to avoid overcrowding.
*Surcees: Consider small gifts or party favors as a nice takeaway for guests. You can also set up a photo booth with fun props for memorable pictures.
*Menu planning: When choosing your food and beverages, be sure to include offerings for vegetarians, gluten-free friends, and people who don’t drink alcohol. If it’s a potluck, create a signup sheet to ensure good variety. This week I’m sharing three delicious appetizer recipes that are sure to be Christmas party favorites. Don’t forget the dessert!
Shrimp Pâté
Do you have leftover frozen, cooked shrimp in your freezer? If you do, you’re gonna love this recipe!
1 pound shrimp, cooked and peeled
4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, or ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
½ teaspoon dried minced onion, optional
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Dash cayenne pepper
Additional shrimp to garnish, optional
Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the shrimp has been chopped into fine pieces. Do not overprocess. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and chill for at least an hour. Serve with crostini or crackers. Serves 6.
Bacon and Cheese Canapés
Easy and delicious!
1 (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 (4.5-ounce) package real bacon bits, about 1 cup
3 (1.9-ounce) packages phyllo baking shells
Chopped fresh Italian parsley to garnish, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cream cheese, tomatoes, cheddar cheese and bacon bits in a medium bowl; mix well to combine. Spray 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Fill phyllo shells with mixture, place on baking sheets and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until shells are crispy and filling is heated through. Makes 36.
Puff Pastry Appetizer Stars
Festive and flavorful treats, these eye-catching hors d’oeuvres are a perfect addition to your holiday gathering!
1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed in refrigerator
1 egg, beaten
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
5 ounces blue cheese or goat cheese crumbles
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Red pepper jelly
Preheat oven to 365 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold puff pastry. Using a 3-inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut 9 stars from each piece of pastry. Place stars on prepared baking sheet. Brush starts with beaten egg using a pastry brush. Bake for 15 minutes for until stars are puffed and golden. Remove from oven and cool completely. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, mix cream cheese with blue cheese and whipping cream until smooth. Slice puff pastry stars in half and fill with cheese mixture. Top each star with red pepper jelly before serving. Makes 18.
The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at debbicovington@gmail.com.
