Help me plan my Christmas Eve party menu

**Michelle** · 12-10-2002, 07:51 PM

I need to do this very frugally. We will be having other people bring things, but I always worry that we won't have enough food or that someone will forget, etc.

Anyway, there will be about 15-20 people here. We always have an appetizer party...just pickings, no real meal. Keeps it informal that way.

Thanks!

**Jerseygirl** · 12-10-2002, 11:02 PM

I always do stuffed mushrooms and baggette with sauteed eggplant and mozzarella. Also, a nice plate of pickles, artichoke hearts, roasted peppers and olives doesn't cost too much. Fresh veggie plate. Remember, if you cover the platter with lettuce or fresh herbs ( I usually do dill) it will look like there is more on the platter. Cheese and crackers, sliced pepperoni, baked brie looks and smells great, big bang for the buck.

**Michelle** · 12-11-2002, 09:00 AM

Thanks for these ideas Kellie

Anyone else?

**Jenlee** · 12-11-2002, 12:39 PM

How about sausage balls? Swedish meatballs? Cocktail weinies with a BBQ jelly sauce? Baby dills wrapped in ham? Potato salad?

Most of these are recipes that are easy to find. If you need anything specific, lmk.

I've found that different candies help out too. You can make a recipe of say, pralines, for $3 and it makes 100 pieces.

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 12-11-2002, 01:07 PM

Well there is always deviled eggs, polish roses or pickles. How about whole wterchestnuts wrapped in 1/2 slice of bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar and baked at 400 for 30 minutes. I make a big 9x13 of these and set them on a hot plate on the counter or island. How about tortillas with crm cheese, ham and green onion rolled up and then sliced into 1 inch pieces. Serve with dipping salsa.

**Darlene** · 12-11-2002, 01:10 PM

These are something I make when we have our Tree Trimming Party every year. They look and taste like you really fussed but are fun & easy to make. Made ahead a plus too! Enjoy!
Cheesy Crab Rolls
20 slices white bread,crusts removed.
1+1/2 c (6 oz) shredded american cheese
4T margarine
2T milk or white wine
2 (6oz) cans crabmeat,drained and flaked.
**
Roll out bread with rolling pin to flatten,set aside
In saucepan melt margarine,add cheese to melt.
Add milk or wine and crabmeat. If it seems a little thick add more liquid. Spread crab mix onto bread slices roll up jelly style.
In small bowl combine 1/3 c melted margarine & 1/2 tsp paprika
Brush all over rolls.place seam side down on cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze 1hr or until firm. Transfer to freezer bag & freeze.
To serve-unwrap frozen rolls ,let stand room temp 10 min. Cut each into 4 slices Arrange on greased sheet.Bake 375* 12 min. or until golden. Makes 80

**sixfreds** · 12-11-2002, 02:08 PM

Meatballs in a sauce in the crockpot with some rolls or bread..
Lasagna is good..
Deli platter (you can make your own instead of buying one but just getting the meat and cheeses you like and putting them ona platter)
Cheese and crackers
chips and dips
veggie platter with dip

lots of other great ideas everyone else has too and just in time we are having a family party here on Sunday and I need ideas too....

Eileen

**bamamomto4** · 12-11-2002, 02:38 PM

I second the cocktail smokies in bar b q sauce. Add the smokies and bar b q sauce in crock pot and heat it up...very easy.

Veggie platter with ranch dipping.I use the Hidden valley ranch dip with sour cream.

Cheese ball..1 8 oz cream cheese and 1 envelope Hidden vallewy ranch dip or salad dressing mix.I don't think it matters.Serve with Ritz or townhouse crackers.

meat and cheese tray.

sausage balls

Chelle-Will kids be there? If so I would make a few things "kid friendly" Cookies,fudge,pigs n blanket,brownies, sherbet punch.. etc....

I know I have tons of recipes but can't think of anything else right now.
Post what you know you'll be making and maybe we can go from there with other recipes

**heaven** · 12-11-2002, 02:41 PM

Meatballs in a bbq sauce, everyone loves this. crockpot and easy, you just put your bbq sauce and a can of Jellied Cranberry sauce into the crockpot and add meatballs (cooked) it is so good. and so easy. sounds gross it really isn't though.

**paelthom** · 12-11-2002, 02:48 PM

How about a simple dessert like brownies or pound cake. I usually have a tray with assorted sandwiches (cut into quarters). I am also a big believer in those chicken tenders from Walmart. Hope this helps,
paelthom

**Michelle** · 12-11-2002, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the ideas everyone. There will be kids there but not many. Just my two and my nephew. Here is what I have planned so far:

Manicotti (my fil will bring)
Meatballs and sauce
Chicken wings
Spicy hot dogs (my brother will make)
Sausage biscuit pinwheels (my brother will make)
salad
veggie tray w/dip
chips and french onion dip
cheese and crackers

Sweets:

sugar cookies
fudge
Rice Krispie treats
rum balls
almond crescents
peanut butter balls

I'm drawing a blank...I know I had other ideas too.

I appreciate all the ideas you've given so far and would love to hear more. Thanks!

**bamamomto4** · 12-11-2002, 03:07 PM

Everything sounds good!

**Dedlered** · 12-11-2002, 03:23 PM

I like to do a spinach dip in a bread crust... also the swedish meatballs.
Stuffed Mushrooms, Stuffed celery (cream cheese, chili sauce, worstishire sauce, onion)