Party Planning

So this weekend my husband and I are hosting yet another party. This time it's just a casual gathering with college friends, so I don't feel the need for a real formal meal. That being said, I thought I'd toss out some ideas that I have for my party to inspire others looking for some easy (and cheap) food options.

Hot Appetizers

• stuffed mushrooms
• buffalo bites (chicken nuggets coated in hot wing sauce)
• spinach and artichoke dip
• 7 layer dip/taco dip
• crab dip
• bruschetta
• cocktail wieners in a BBQ/pineapple sauce

Cold Appetizers

• veggie tray
• fruit salad
• chips & dip
• shrimp ring
• chex mix
• crackers & cheese 

 Like I said, I don't plan on doing a formal meal, but I may throw together a turkey to 1.) keep the oven going and 2.) provide a source for fresh meat for sandwiches. It all depends on the price of turkeys at the store. Not to mention, I didn't get a chance to cook a turkey last year.  :-) If I do make a turkey, I'll probably serve it for hot open-faced turkey sandwiches with plenty of yummy gravy.

Another thing that happens when we have parties is that at least a handful of people wind up crashing in our living room.  That means I have to serve breakfast the next day.  Continental style breakfast is usually my preferred choice, with fruit, scrambled eggs, toast/bagels, sausage, bacon and fried potatoes.  Setting the oven to 250 degrees is the easiest way to keep the meats & potatoes warm while you cook the eggs. It also dries the grease off the bacon and finishes crisping it up.