Martha Stewart ruined it for everyone. Perfectly sane people now operate under the belief that, in order to have friends over, they need a year of planning, an entire book's worth of chi-chi appetizers, and a venue that looks like it was decorated by a movie set designer.
Martha lied. Having a successful party doesn't require expensive food or intensive cooking skills. Here are five festive tips for feeding your friends that aren't dependent on your amount of culinary skill or the size of your pocketbook.
Dippity Do-Dah
Avoid cooking altogether by inviting everyone over for a dip. Everyone loves dip at a party because it feels like a splurge. Ask your pals to bring over the dippables (chips, veggies, pita bread), and you can provide an assortment of dips. Don't panic. Whir up an easy hummus dip, and don't be afraid to doctor. Add interest to store-bought dips by tossing in a few ingredients: chopped mango in salsa, marinated artichokes in spinach dip, or pesto in a cheese spread.
Center of AttentionWho says you need a dozen kinds of party food? Some of the best gatherings can be centered around just one dish. Invite everyone over on a cold evening for a big pot of soul-warming chili. Bake a huge pan of just-like-Mom's lasagna. Friends are usually more than happy to bring over easy extras like bread and salad. Sit back and let the conversation flow.
Feeling Lucky?
Potlucks are an old standby, but they needn't be as stodgy as the ones your mother went to. Plan a potluck with a fun unifying theme. You can ask your friends to each bring a dish that's a particular ethnicity (like Tex-Mex), that uses a specific ingredient (like bacon), or that fits a theme, such as "foods you've never tasted." The dishes do double duty as instant conversation pieces.
Iron Chef
It's one thing to ask your friends to bring food, but how about asking them to cook the food while they're at your house? A cook-off can be a fun party gimmick that everyone will talk about. Purchase an assortment of basic items (French bread, tomatoes, cheeses, meats) and give everyone a turn in the kitchen to create an appetizer under a strict time limit. The results will be both edible and entertaining.
Recession SessionWhen times are tough, the get-togethers don't have to stop. In fact, you need your friends more than ever. Embrace the budget crunch with a recession party. Use your best china and put out budget snack cakes and saltines with cheese-in-a-can. Make cost-conscious snacks like deviled eggs. The spread may get laughs, but the food will still get eaten.
It's normal to stress over the food and the planning, but once your friends have arrived, do your best to let it go. The most important part of the party is you. If you're in good spirits, the mood will rub off on your guests. Relax. Even Martha would agree that it's okay to have a good time at your own party.
Here are just a couple of great offerings
Easy-Peasy Hummus Dip
1 can chickpeas, drained 1-2 cloves garlic Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup sesame tahini 1/4 cup olive oil Pinch of salt
Directions: Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. Add flavorings for extra zest: 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
Recession Deviled Eggs6 eggs, hard-boiled, cooled, and sliced lengthwise; 1/4 cup light mayonnaise 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Remove yolks from eggs and place in a bowl with remaining ingredients. Mash together until well mixed. Fill each egg half with a rounded spoonful of mixture. Chill before serving. For eye appeal, top with '50s style garnishes, like olives.
