If there’s anything I’ve learned from hosting countless dinner parties over the years, it’s that something’s always gotta give. If you’re going over the top with the food, you’re maybe not going to have the most amazing hair that day. If you’re pulling out all the stops with decor, you may not have time to frost all those cupcakes as pretty as you wanted. Unless you’re a bone fide Martha, or unless you have hired help, then I find something’s always gotta give. (And let’s be honest, Martha has tons of hired help anyway).
For me, a plan always starts out fairly ambitious, and I often have to make little compromises along the way. This all depends on how quickly the time vortex is sucking all my precious minutes away. It’s amazing how quickly things like painting your nails or putting on fresh make-up get tossed out the window when you can’t seem to get your crepes just right, or you’ve burned the slider buns for a second time.
The truth is, we can all use a gift of time now and then when we’re entertaining, and that’s exactly where these appetizer hacks come into the picture. Think of them as cooking freebies. They’re 98% store bought, with a 2% homemade tweak to make them worthy of serving. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of transferring these goodies from their plastic packaging onto nice servingware. That makes all the difference in the world, even if that’s all you do.
Here are three quick appetizer hacks for you to try…and, hey, I’m not condoning any fibbing per se, but I’m certainly not going to tell anyone if you choose to keep the store bought details under wraps!
Melissa is the blogger behind Serving Seconds, a food blog dedicated to the yummy and the beautiful. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her wandering the aisles of the craft store, instagramming at the dinner table, or exploring every foodie nook she can find in her beloved city of San Francisco. She’s got a penchant for anything mini, modernized comfort food, and stellar hospitality. In her “Setting the Table” series, Melissa will share unique and creative ways to add a little fun to your table and make your guests feel extra special. From a weeknight dinner to a girls’ night in, there’s always a reason for theme parties, signature cocktails, and gathering with friends.
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These are great tips. I cannot thank you enough!