This hot Jalapeño Popper Dip is DIVINE. Do not be worried about the spice, it’s completely customizable you use as many jalapeños as you want and can scrape out the ribs and seeds. I use two with the ribs and seed scraped out and both of the senior citizen mothers in our family who cannot tolerate much spice, couldn’t stop eating it.

https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/jalapeno-popper-dip

I wouldn't rely on what you think and hope people eat before; let people know you will have light hors d'oeuvres and dessert, or heavy hors d'oeuvre so they can plan accordingly.

Ideas:

cocktail meatballs with warm dipping suace (italian or swedish)

flatbreads

chile and cheese served as a dip with bread or tortillas

Crockpot meatballs, the ones with the grape jam and chili sauce.

Grilled cheese cut up into size 2-3 bites?

Ledo’s is good too

I would love you forever if you have little cocktail weenies.

I’d do spinach artichoke dip with crostini and or tortilla chips. It’s casual enough low effort and you can keep it warm easily until guests arrive.

I'm hosting an evening meeting for a volunteer group at 7:30 pm. I think most will have eaten dinner beforehand, and people will bring some desserts. What should I make as an anchor dish? I don't think a veggie platter or plate of brownies is quite right. Was thinking some kind of fondue? Or a baked brie? (I have never made one before). I envision a cold night and think it would be nice to have something warm but not sure what.