I’m hosting a few work colleagues for apps and drinks. I’m nervous and don’t know what to serve. Ideas?

[Anonymous]

I’d love something interesting and not just the typical crudite charcuterie board thing.

I know they drink wine and mixed drinks.

So ideally I’d find an interesting cocktail to go with whatever I serve. Although I’ll have wine as well.

Ex. Margarita and fish taco apps. But not.

Ideas?

[Anonymous]

What’s your budget? And how many people?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What’s your budget? And how many people?

Tiny. Just 4 of us. Budget is whatever. But this is just apps and for 2 hours.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I have never found the frozen apps from Trader Joe's to fail me with the fancy crowds. People here can look down their noses but they also think meatballs in grape jelly are appropriate to serve.

So I'd do a veg platter, hummus and crackers, a container of nuts split into couple of bowls, two or three frozen app from TJ's, and one bowl of candy on a corner table.

[Anonymous]

NP. Trader Joe’s especially excels at Asian small bites. Don’t know if they still carry it but they used to sell a lemongrass chicken tiny egg roll type thing that was awesome. TJ and your air fryer — perfect together. Their chicken samosas are also awesome.

[Anonymous]

How about a Venetian theme with Cicchetti and Aperol spritz as the cocktail?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about a Venetian theme with Cicchetti and Aperol spritz as the cocktail?

This is a very fun idea, but I will say that people who don’t like Aperol really really hate it. I’d have the ingredients on hand for a Hugo spritz as well.

[Anonymous]

I do not make fancy cocktails so I can’t help with that. Maybe a pitcher of margaritas ? For appetizers, I make sure I have a mix of cold dips (made or pre assembled ahead) and a few hot. For example, stuffed mushrooms that are made ahead, but need to be heated. For me, this keeps the stress level down, especially when you are hosting alone. The more relaxed you are, your guests will feel the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. Trader Joe’s especially excels at Asian small bites. Don’t know if they still carry it but they used to sell a lemongrass chicken tiny egg roll type thing that was awesome. TJ and your air fryer — perfect together. Their chicken samosas are also awesome.

I would love these with some warm saké as a bit of novelty

[Anonymous]

Great ideas, thanks all!

[Anonymous]

Maybe a champagne cocktail or kir royale? I don’t find fancy cocktails to be all that worth it for a party because a lot of people will just want beer or wine. But a champagne cocktail is easy and can be made to order. Also if you are not that practiced at say making martinis you may not do it that well!

For the snacks - I think a good selection of fresh heartier stuff (cheese, olives, nice crackers) plus some fruit is a good base. Quality matters so splurge and be sure to let the cheese come to room temp. I would not do the frozen TJ stuff for a small gathering.

Then I would do one or two things that are more signature - like pigs in a blanket (so fun and usually a hit!) or homemade hummus (so easy and better than store bought). Maybe a baked Brie.

[Anonymous]

Do not invite them into your home. Meet up at a neutral spot like a restaurant.

[Anonymous]

Ask them. Ask them about what they prefer. People love to talk about travel. Ask them about favorite travel destinations. Ask them about memorable meals at favorite travel destinations. Ask them about what simple things they ate or drank. Or, simply ask them what simple foods and cocktails they prefer. Ask them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not invite them into your home. Meet up at a neutral spot like a restaurant.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not invite them into your home. Meet up at a neutral spot like a restaurant.

The lawyers have spoken.