Fun Holiday Party Trays

Well, we made it through Thanksgiving and now it is time to get our head wrapped around the upcoming holiday and the parties that go along with it.   Let's start planning.  What party tray will you take to the work party?  Or the kids school party?  Or what would be a good item to take to the neighbors as a little gift that everybody would love to get? 

Let's take a look at a few ideas -

This fun little wreath is so festive looking.  I found the photo but no explanation of what the tomatoes are filled with.  I think that I would use goat cheese or a combination of a soft white cheese and cream cheese.  This would be beautiful with spinach leaves also.  Think - home party or for the office.

I think this is so darn cute.  I do believe I would make this all year round, no matter the season or the weather outside.  I also believe I would use a combo of many fruits. But not so many that it takes away from the visual effects.  The kids in my family are going to love this.

Are you saying - Wants with all the fruit ?!  Well, with all the sweets that you will be offered during this time of the year, then offering some pretty and fun fruit alternative is a super idea. 

Just a little suggestion - you could add a couple little bowls of caramel to go with this arrangement.  I would use a combination of red and green apples just for the accent colors. It would sure be cute.

Enough with being healthy - let's do some sweet stuff.  The kids will love making these.  You can make your usual pan of rice crispy treat, cut them into tree shapes and decorate with any fun goodies you have.  Be sure to make the treats thick enough to press the candy canes into them.  I made one batch a bit different, and I think I really liked them.  I made them like the photo above, then I made a second pan of treats.  I cut those out, and added the second layer to the back.  I even put a little layer of peanut butter between some of them.  With the double layer, the candy cane is very secure. 
Tip - if adding the second layer, do it while they are a bit warm so you can press them together and smooth the edges. 

Check back for more ideas in the near future and get ready to party on!

Last Minute Party Food Ideas

Never too late to do a little something fun and festive for the table.
Here's a few ideas that are simple and healthy too.

 This is one of my favorites.  And so super simple.  Simply open a can of crescent rolls, do not unroll; cut into thin slices and arrange on a cookie sheet in the shape of a tree.  Bake until golden brown.  When cool, top with your choice of spreads.  I like cream cheese with chives and finely chopped green onion. Add finely chopped veggies and if you like, a nice little rope of red bell pepper.

You guest can easily pull apart a section making for easy service.

Also - you could arrange your sliced rolls in the shape of a wreath.  Then you have the entire center of the design to add dip or veggies, if you like.

One more idea here - if you arrange in the wreath shape, tops with butter and brown sugar.  After baking, add some red and green cherries, and perhaps some small pieces of pineapple.  This will make for a great sweet treat. 

Just a little bit of advise here -
I don't mind buying the generic or store brands to give them a try.  But when it comes to crescent rolls, you can beat Pillsbury.  I have tried many other brands and they never seem to be consistent in texture or even the way they pull apart.  And you can watch for coupons and probably pay the same price.  

Here is another simple little goodie.  You can make this with your favorite  'stuff' or an assortment of fillings.  You start by making your basic tortilla wrap, with spinach tortillas.  Fill and slice.  then stack to form a nice little tree.  Again, this is super easy for family or guest to serve themselves.

You can garnish with tiny tomatoes, red grapes, tiny fruit cut outs, or any thing else you desire.

OK - the veggies are in the fridge so how are you going to display them for your guest?  You could lay them out on the platter, all pretty and organized.  Or you could fun it all up a bit with some creative designing.  Take a look at these veggies and tell me that the kids would not just love this.  And that goes for the big kids too.
Gonna start with my favorite.

 

So - there you have it.  Fun ideas to add to your holiday feast.