Quick Appetizers Make Perfect Last Minute Parties

(ARA) - Many holiday gatherings are planned ahead of time, but some pop up at the last minute and still require preparation. For these, every host needs to know a few tasty appetizers you can throw together in less than 20 minutes.

“Every now and then, party preparations go awry or you make last-minute cocktail invitations that allow you only a short time to put together hors d’oeuvres,” says John Macy, creator of John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks. “Our company developed the “Cocktails in a Crunch” kit so that you can quickly and tastefully get out of a pinch and enjoy your guests.”

Anyone can purchase a six-pack and chips. Throwing a stylish party at the last minute takes a bit more panache -- especially if you want to have something for your guests to eat besides the drink garnish. Tasty appetizers complement the fun cocktails or wine that you serve, and can transform a routine gathering into a festive celebration.

Thanks to the magic of the purveyors at John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks, the flavors of “Cocktails in a Crunch” kits of gourmet appetizers and tasty treats blend perfectly with your favorite cocktails. For example, the spicy garlic and chili flavors of chili chicken and Cheddar & Asiago CheeseCrisps naturally blend with the sweet and tang of a Mojito. Or, the mello bubble of a Bellini is accented perfectly by the sweet and savory crunch of brie and peach preserve on top of a Sesame Gruyere CheeseCrisp.

Here are a few appetizer and cocktail pairing suggestions for your next last-minute soiree:

Sweet and Savory with a Crunch … pairs best with a Bellini

Box of Sesame Gruyere CheeseCrisps
1/2 pound of brie
Small jar of peach preserves
Fresh mint leaves

Top each CheeseCrisp with a small slice of brie. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of peach preserves on top of brie; garnish with small leaf of mint. Place on a serving tray and let your guests rejoice!

CheeseCrisps Crostini with Olives and Feta … pairs best with a Martini
Box of Melting Romano CheeseCrisps
1/2 pound of crumbled feta cheese
1/2 pound of chopped pitted Kalamata or ripe olives
Jar of oil-packed dried tomatoes

Mix the feta, olives and finely chopped dried tomatoes. Place CheeseCrisps in oven for three minutes to fully heat. Top with the olive and feta spread. Take a bow.

Chili Chicken Appetizers … pairs best with a Mojito
Box of Cheddar & Asiago CheeseCrisps
1 pound chicken cut into small strips
Scallions finely chopped
Thai garlic chili sauce

Sauté and drain the chicken. Mix in the Thai chili sauce to taste. Heat the CheeseCrisps in the oven for a few minutes. Top the CheeseCrisps with a piece of scallion.

If you are hosting a wine tasting affair, the perfect accompaniment to your favorite varietal includes pairing Original Cheddar CheeseSticks with Merlot, Romano Garlic for Valpolicella and Dijon Swiss with Chardonnay. Pairings for CheeseCrisps include White Onion with Beaujolais, Sesame Gruyere with Pinot Grigio and Smoked Jalapeño with Shiraz.

John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks products are made from high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including fresh sourdough, and are baked daily. In addition to retail packages, John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks are available in bulk for caterers, specialty bakers and food service operators, including partially baked CheeseSticks that can be stored frozen and baked when needed.

John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks and CheeseCrisps are sold in fine gourmet and specialty food stores, such as Whole Foods Market many national & regional supermarket chains and a number of luxury hotels, including the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Sofitel hotel chains. For more scrumptious appetizer recipes and to order online, visit www.cheesesticks.com.  Courtesy of ARAcontent

HOST A CAROLING PARTY

Too often we forgo entertaining because of the mere thought of all of the preparation that is involved. And more is not better. Often we try to out do each other with lavish parties and expensive gifts. Stop and remember for a second what was important from your own childhood. Was it an outing? Baking cookies with your grandmother? Building a snowman with your dad? We need to connect. This doesn’t require more time, just shifting the focus of the time we already have. Here, a casual party and a very simple activity were the catalyst that brought everyone together.

To get the entire neighborhood into the Christmas spirit we planned a caroling party. Sing along with Christmas music from Christmas Carol Music / Christmas CD / Hymns For The Holidays.  Play along with Silver Tambourines or Silver Maracas

The day before our guests arrived, my kids and I spent an afternoon making decorative candleholders to give to each caroler, to light the way for our caroling expedition. You could also use these Green Votive Candle or Tea Light Candles

Dad, dressed as Santa Claus (Santa Suit - Pile Plush), provided our very own photo opportunity. Little ones whispered their Christmas list in Santa’s ear. Grown ups, as well as kids, had their pictures taken in Santa’s lap.

Adults, kids, and even a few dogs then joined us on our merry way. Our numbers grew as we made our way caroling through the neighborhood.

As the carolers returned, we welcomed them with Mexican hot chocolate and ginger spice cookies. This party was a great way to engage everyone in an activity that the whole family could enjoy. And for a few short hours we were able to turn our attention away from the commercial marketing of the holidays to something much more personal.  1/2 pt Christmas Holly Cookie and Treat Pails

 The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is a contemporary murder mystery game that takes place at the Christmas Party of the law firm Lie, Cheat & Steal. With this many lawyers & politicians involved there is sure to be plenty of back stabbing going around.

A Killer Reunion
This is a VERY clean murder mystery game that takes place at a class reunion. The year and/or theme can be determined by the host. This game is suitable for very conservative groups.

Bell Cookie Cutter /Star Cookie Cutter

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About the Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit http://www.togetherparenting.com To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com

Decorate with these fun kits...ready to go with everything you need...even the sticky tack.

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Hand out Buttons with Christmas wishes along your caroling route

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