These 19 last minute party snacks and appetizers are just the thing when you want to gather, but don’t have a lot of time to plan. You’ll find recipes that range from entirely unfussy to just a bit fancy. And all of them are easy enough to do an hour or so before guests arrive. Since it’s always nice to have a few festive tricks up your sleeve, here are some ideas to get the party started.
Offer a signature cocktail. Rather than having a full bar, offer a single fabulous cocktail that you can prep ahead and pour as needed. It elevates any party and can be as simple as a glass of Prosecco with a splash of pomegranate juice (or get inspired with our cocktail recipes). Get out the good stuff. It’s high time you stop saving your wedding china or prettiest platter for the right occasion. There’s no easier way to dress up the simplest snack or appetizer! You’ve got the goods, now is the time to show them off. Minimize dishware. Not into post-party clean up? Stick with finger foods, such as Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms or Kimchi Deviled Eggs that require little more than a cocktail napkin. Fill in with quick fixes. In addition to from-scratch snacks, feel free to rely on store-bought hummus and pre-cut veggies, a jar of good olives (warm them on the stove with a few strips of lemon peel), pre-made tapenade with crackers, and soft goat cheese drizzled with olive oil.
