Time: 2-4 (if at 5-7, they might expect dinner)
Duration: 2 hours plus if some linger
Menu:
salty - nuts, chex mix, chips and dip, pretzel sticks with honey mustard, pop corn

cheesy - cheese platter, cheese ball w/ crackers, homemade pimiento cheese with plain crackers

bready - bruschetta with tomato and basil topping, hot ham and cheese mini buns, sausage nuggets

fresh - vegetable crudite with a dip, bowl of fresh cut fruit, bowl of little grape tomatoes, pickles, olives, marinated mushrooms

sweet - Christmas cookies of all kinds, fudge and other seasonal candy, pecan tarts, brownies/blondies, mini cherry cupcakes, etc.

beverages - Kris Kringle Punch, egg nog, wine, beer, cranberry gingerale, hot mulled cider

Of course, you don't have to prepare all the items in each category, these are suggestions so you will have a good variety. Purchase some items if possible so you won't feel so overwhelmed.

Years ago when I had a large couples casual dinner party, I packaged up mini pound cakes to give as the guests were leaving: wrap well in plastic wrap and tie with a bright red ribbon - easy. You could do mini loaves of pumpkin, lemon, banana or other tea breads in the same manner.

I'll be happy to supply some recipes if you need them.
Teresa

This post was edited by teresa_nc7 on Tue, Dec 3, 13 at 16:47

Thank you Teresa, I like your suggestions, and agree that from 5-7 they will expect dinner so I would serve heavier finger foods (meatballs, etc.) during that time.

I also agree that a 5-7 timeframe would need heavier foods as it would be around suppertime and some/many would not have eaten their evening meal before that time.

So, possibilities?

Gougeres, cheese straws, cheese thumbprints filled with hot pepper jelly, hot cheese and artichoke dip, spinach dip, Teresa's cheeseball or pimento cheese suggestion.

A bit heavier would be sweet potato biscuits with a sliver of honey/glazed ham, rye puffs filled with cream cheese and corned beef, like a Rueben, small dinner rolls or croissants with chicken, turkey, chicken salad, ham, thin slices of roast beef.

Desserts could be Christmas cookies, of course, or fudge, some "bark", which is fast and easy, truffles or peanut butter balls, bundt cake, mini cupcakes, brownies, pecan pie bars. I think bars would be faster and more efficient than something like rolled out sugar cookies or frosted and decorated types, so you could have a good assortment with less time spent. Refrigerator type cookies are good too, the kind you make ahead of time and then freeze or refrigerator, then slice and bake fresh when they are needed.

You could even serve a crockpot of some type of soup or chili, if you are adventurous, with cups and spoons instead of bowls, so people could eat standing up or walking about.

Have fun, it sounds like a very nice idea.

Annie

Young kids may enjoy 'pin the nose on rudolph' which breaks awkwardness. Or you could have the plastic bubble blowing bubble stuff (dollar stores have it). Or plain cookies (vanilla wafers ?) with a bowls of tinted frosting and various decorating items - red hots, dragees, sugar sprinkles, etc.

Adults relax more with something to do with their hands. Like dipping meatballs or
fruit into melted choc.

I like "Holiday Meet-n-Greet". 5-7. A Sunday is good.
The word 'party' makes people nervous. If you have a party with friends you know really well, they right away know what to expect. I wouldn't want to stress a new neighbor, 'what should i wear', etc.
When my neighbors had one for a new next door neighbor, it was 5-7 and i could smell the grill going. Turned out to be brisket smoking. (new neighbors never showed up, lol)
The rest of us did some catching up, so all was good and fun.
I would welcome a light meal during the busy holidays. Gives moms and dads a break from cooking. At that point in the holiday, many have had big meals and often have a big New Years day meal planned. I would probably do a generous appetizer tray with lots of cheeses, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, veggies, meats, crackers. Dips. And something hearty...like a crock-pot soup if it is chilly, or a crock of meatballs with biscuits.
Melted chocolate is a good one. I always like that with fresh fruit.

Kids! How about a NewYears pinata. !
Lots of cheap strings of tinsel stuff this time of year. Use lots of tape on a square box or two.
Fill with pez and stocking stuffer gack. This one could be made out of a cardboard box.

Here is a link that might be useful: pinata

Nice idea! Thank you.

I am now thinking of doing a 'dessert party' instead, wording the invitation "Come for dessert and meet your neighbors", very casual with a variety of desserts - some sweet and some not - and beverages. I think 7-9 pm sounds good since it is after the typical dinner hour and not too late. A small table set up for cookie decorating for the kiddos.

Any thoughts on this idea? It would be easier for me as I love to bake and have scores of T&T recipes + a half-dozen Trader Joe's stores within a short driving distance.

Remember to have some fruit for those folks that can't have a lot of sugary desserts. A nice cheese platter with crackers and freshly washed grapes would also be welcome. You might need to have one or two gluten free items available.

Don't try to do anything with ice cream, last minute, not needed, too messy, etc.

If the weather will be really cold the day of, fix some mulled cider and hot cocoa, people will love it.

Don't have too many chocolate treats; include some cinnamon and spice, vanilla, nuts, peppermint, dried fruits, maybe some popcorn and/or chex mix type of snack.

My personal recommendation for cookies is to make refrigerator cookies that you can make days or weeks ahead, freeze them, then bake closer to the day of the party. Sheet cakes are much easier to cut and serve than layer cakes.

Teresa

jenn, I like that idea the best! Teresa is right. Let 'em have a cheese/fruit platter for those who are more continental, those who should avoid sweets, or any who are not in love with them.

i like the 5-7 idea best. yes they will expect something semi substantial...but that is easily done and it means none of the Moms needs to think of dinner....BONUS!

The time also lends well to light beverages including wine and cider as well as a sweets table.

2-4 just screws up the day for other things and this time of year everyone is soooo busy.....7-9 is too late in the day if kids are involved....but that's just me.

The time really will dictate the menu.....so when you decide we will all be glad to stick our noses in with ideas.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Now we're thinking of a "Come for chili" and bring something to go with it, from 5-7pm. We'd provide chili, breads, and some easy dessert (brownies, cookies), and let everyone else bring a favorite appetizer or side dish to complement chili. We'd also provide hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, nuts, and a fruit/cheese platter for those who don't eat sweet stuff.

We may wait until after the holidays, as things have been unpredictable and some neighbors are out of town.