picnic designs

This veggie pizza appetizer is easy to make ahead of time and can be placed in the fridge before your party.  Just remember to take it out of the fridge about 1/2 hour before serving.  It is much better not cold, directly from the fridge.  The link will take you directly to the directions, and you can easily cut the recipe in 1/2 for a smaller gathering.  Many options to try wreath shapes or a bell.  It is a great way to add some holiday cheer to your menu this year.

Water submersible battery operated LED lights don't sound like much fun, but they can be the talk of your next party. You can add them to coolers, vases, centerpeices, just about anywhere you want to add light.  The best part is that they are inexpensive, can be used several times before needing more batteries, and you can even get color changing lights to really add interest.  Click on the photo to find out more.  Many options are available and all under $5.

Now this is not for every party, but it certainly works for most!  Every Superbowl party we have has a tray of Little Debbies or Hostess or a mixture of everyone's favorite childhood treats.  To say that people love it is an understatement.  At first they giggle and then they might say that they haven't had one in forever (especially when it comes the the twinkies) and then you will pick up the plate at the end of the evening and they are all gone.  Oldies but goodies and we all know the kids love them too.  No baking required!

Putting together a fruit bowl?  Cut a watermelon into a cool shape like this one that was done for a Summer Luau.  In Spring or at Easter Brunch cut the watermelon into a beautiful basket.  Want less work?  You can cut 2 simple bowls instead.  Note in the photo the kabob skewers?  If you put fruit on a kabob for buffets, people tend to eat more of the fruit.  When put into the bowl for scooping, you tend to have lots left over.  Kids especially like the kabobs and you can even add marshmallows to get them excited to eat their fruit.  Many tutorials can be found on google, so have some fun with it and your guests will too.

We tried it and indeed it only takes three ingredients for guests to love this appetizer dish.  What is needed?  One bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce, one Can of Oceanspray Cranberry Jellied or Whole, and one bag of cocktail sized meatballs 1lb.  Mix together in crockpot for 4 hours on high and serve.  We kept these on warm and served in a separate dish with toothpicks, but that is mainly because they can get messy in the pot.  To avoid soaking and a big clean up, try Crock Pot Bag Liners available at the grocery.  Also, don't worry about forgetting the recipe, it is on the back of every jar of Heinz Chili Sauce.  Plan to make them again and again, because guests will beg you to have them at every party.  With something this easy, no problem!