The Secret to Entertaining Success - Make Ahead Appetizers for your Party

Friends are always asking what the secret is to my relaxed attitude towards the food preparation for my cocktail parties, and my answer is repeatedly the same - ALWAYS look for make ahead appetizers for your party! Wherever possible, do your prep work the day before your soiree and keep it simple. Quick easy appetizers can be just as delicious as the appetizers you slave over for hours and it takes the same amount of time to eat them whether you've spent hours or minutes on the preparation.

But even make ahead appetizers for your party will require some work on your end. Do a bit of research to find recipes for easy party appetizers, and keep to the theme of your party whether it be Summer fun or Christmas cheer. Where possible, assemble your ingredients a day ahead and do the final assembly just before your guests arrive. For example, vegetables for a veggie tray can be cut up the day prior to your party and left soaking in water in the fridge until you are ready to plate. This frees up your time on party day to socialize together with your friends in the backyard instead of alone with your appetizers in the kitchen. After all, a party is supposed to be fun for everyone (that includes you!!).

For some suggestons to get you started, check out the recipes for great time-saving make ahead appetizers for your party on our website at http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/.
For more great recipes, Chef's tips and tools visit http://www.amateur-chef.com/