Hostess with the Mostess part deux

This weekend, why are you over already? I thoroughly enjoy my two days of freedom. This weekend, Sean and I painted an office and a hallway inside our condo. Sean painted the downstairs by himself last summer and this summer it was the upstairs. Believe me, painting would never be on my weekend agenda but after painting with Sean yesterday, he sure makes painting fun! We are in the process of finding a new church so we went to a new one this weekend and then my running partner had her Masters graduation party yesterday. Now it is Monday already...
What did you all do this weekend?

Does anyone remember that three Mondays ago I started a new summer series titled Hostess with the Mostess? Then came vacation and two awesome guest posters to help me with the Mondays, I was gone but this series is back here now on a regular basis now. I am doing this series because I love summer, I love entertaining during the summer, I love to have summery drinks in hand while the bbq is cooking and then topping off the meal with a fresh fruit dessert always a la mode!
The first post was summery drinks. The next series in this post is appetizers. After your guests walk into a party, grab a drink, frequently appetizers are next up on the agenda. The appetizers can vary from chip and dip to little bites. 
I think it is important that appetizers aren't too hard to handle, with a drink already in your guest's hand, you have to think quick, easy and simple. A guest could quickly pop an appetizer into their mouth and walk away. Having to deal with a plate, scoop some dip onto the plate and then grab some chips still with the drink in your other hand, I am not a fan of this juggling. So make the appetizers easy for your guests.
Pick appetizers like these.
Source: vippins.com via Steph on Pinterest
The veggies and the dip are together and it is very portable.

Another easy appetizer

These are simple and will hold together well with the toothpick.

Make appetizers that are one or two bites like bruschetta

Or crab cakes.


I would recommend if you do want to have some chips and dip, put it in individual cups and ready for your guests just to pick up

When thinking about appetizers at your party, think about convenience for your guests. It is a pain to scoop dip onto a plate, to handle a fork and maybe knife as well as a plate and if you already have a drink in hand. Convenience is king and if everything is individually prepared or one or two bites, it will also make clean-up easier for you because you won't have as many utensils to wash later on.
Next week's Hostess with the Mostess will feature themes especially since we will be a few days away from 4th of July already!




25 comments:

Allison said...

Cute series! Love these tips! That bruschetta looks fabulous...does it have shrimp in it??

Samantha Shepherd said...

Great idea for a series! I couldn't agree with you more about the weekends...Sunday night comes way to quickly. :)

Simply LKJ said...

I make the caprese skewers all the time. Super easy and everyone loves them. The mexican dip in the cup is such a great idea!!

Amanda said...

I love this summer series! I would definitely eat any and all of these :) Hopefully M and I will throw a party soon, we're still making some final touches on the apartment.

Alexa said...

Convience is king...and I ALWAYS have a glass of wine in hand while I'm preparing apps and dinner! Ha.

Unknown said...

I made mini caprese bites for a baby shower two weeks ago and I loved them! They were so easy to make, looked super cute, and were of course, easy to eat.

Sarah @ The Not Quite Military Wife said...

LOVE this series idea!! Very cute ideas, thanks for sharing for all of my future summer entertaining!

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I love these all!! I want to be a hostess with the mostess someday!

Unknown said...

I am such an appetizer nut but I never think to make them. Thanks for the suggestions.

erica said...

Loving this series! These are all such great ideas I definitely think I will do the bread with veggies and dip for my 4th of july party! xo

Krysta said...

I love the bread and veggie dip!

Mikelle Jade said...

oh yum. All these foods look so delicious. I really like the bread and veggies and dip idea. I think I will try it. They look and sound delicious!

Sam said...

I totally agree about convenience. I am the girl that can never balance a plate, fork, and drink while still talking to people...therefore I am in the corner eating alone ha ha I LOVE those individual seven layer dips. too cute!

Anonymous said...

Stomach growling! Yum!

Faith said...

Oh man! Belly is acting all sorts of crazy now.

Such neat ideas!!

Anonymous said...

Think I'm going to love this series! Hope church shopping goes well. At times it can be a lonely process but it ends up being such a blessing. Hope you're having a great week!

~aimee

Ashley said...

Any appetizer that's easy to eat is right up my alley! These all look so good!

stephanie said...

the little caprese salads look scrumptious!!

Ann said...

Those appetizers look so yummy!

And I love crab cakes,
that image made me crave for some.

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

Love these little individual dip cups! They are perfect!!

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

Truly Rachel said...

These menu choices look amazing! Great tips. Any tips on decor for small areas?

Val said...

Oh me, Oh my. I'd give anything to have one of those amazing treats.

Because Shanna Said So said...

I love the idea of putting dips in little cups! That seven layer idea is genius and adorable! Such a fun series, Meg! You little hostess, you! ;)

oomph. said...

Love the first and last ideas! We always make 7-layer dip...I'm loving the idea of individual cups!

Jamie LaFuze said...

My prayers are with you on finding a new church. I can completely understand that process, and I love this post. I can't get over the first appetizer, it is so stinkin' adorable. You make the perfect point to keep appetizers simple and convenient. One of my fans is quinoa stuffed cucumbers.