I am moving into a new house soon and I would like to invite the
neighbours/friends/workers/associates/etc for a house warming. It will be
very informal, drop in, say hello, have a drink and a snack, disappear or
stay and settle in for the afternoon, there could be anything from 25 to 50
starters. It will be in the afternoon, the weather will be warm to mild, I
don't know the tastes of many of the people (but assume not too adventurous)
so I want to provide a variety so each can find a few things that they like.
I want to prepare as much as possible in advance so that I can socialise
rather than be chained to the oven. I am inclined towards mainly
finger-food, about 2/3 cold, 1/3 hot.

I seem to do the same sort of stuff all the time in this situation so I am
asking for ideas the break out of old habits.

David

In article >,
"David Hare-Scott" > wrote:

> I am moving into a new house soon and I would like to invite the
> neighbours/friends/workers/associates/etc for a house warming. It will be
> very informal, drop in, say hello, have a drink and a snack, disappear or
> stay and settle in for the afternoon, there could be anything from 25 to 50
> starters. It will be in the afternoon, the weather will be warm to mild, I
> don't know the tastes of many of the people (but assume not too adventurous)
> so I want to provide a variety so each can find a few things that they like.
> I want to prepare as much as possible in advance so that I can socialise
> rather than be chained to the oven. I am inclined towards mainly
> finger-food, about 2/3 cold, 1/3 hot.
>
> I seem to do the same sort of stuff all the time in this situation so I am
> asking for ideas the break out of old habits.

The most important aspect of this kind of party is to socialize, not
spend time during the party handling food service. I suggest simple cold
items or items that can be served in a crock pot and made in advance.
Ideas: cold cut tray, cheese platter, selection of fresh vegetables and
crackers and breads, some light wine coolers and soft drinks, maybe ice
tea and lemon aid. You can put platters of these kinds of things out and
replenish them easily as the plates of food get eaten. For hot items,
just simple dishes such as chili and meatballs in tomato sauce that can
be made a day earlier and served in a crock pot would work well.

Hi David,

Here are my two cents:

COLD
fruit platter
veggie platter with dip
cheese & coldcut platter & freash buns
spinach dip in a pumpernickle loaf
cheese ball & crackers
assorted olives & marinated mushrooms
nachos & salsa & guacomole

HOT
bake artichoke dip
store bought appetizers the kind that are wrapped in phyllo dough or you can
make your own
baked brie wrapped in phyllo served with crackers
grilled or baked chicken wings
warm or cold crab dip
struffed mushroom caps
stuffed jalapeno peppers
dry rub ribs...I wouldn't do sticky ribs since it might end up on your walls

Sangria can be made 2-3 days ahead of time & just replace the fruit with
freshly cut fruit.

Have fun & CONGRATS!!! on your new house

Take care,
SPOONS


"David Hare-Scott" > wrote in message
...
>I am moving into a new house soon and I would like to invite the
> neighbours/friends/workers/associates/etc for a house warming. It will be
> very informal, drop in, say hello, have a drink and a snack, disappear or
> stay and settle in for the afternoon, there could be anything from 25 to
> 50
> starters. It will be in the afternoon, the weather will be warm to mild,
> I
> don't know the tastes of many of the people (but assume not too
> adventurous)
> so I want to provide a variety so each can find a few things that they
> like.
> I want to prepare as much as possible in advance so that I can socialise
> rather than be chained to the oven. I am inclined towards mainly
> finger-food, about 2/3 cold, 1/3 hot.
>
> I seem to do the same sort of stuff all the time in this situation so I am
> asking for ideas the break out of old habits.
>
> David
>
>

ok, I am from The Netherlands and can't judge what would suit people in
your neighborhood. But here's the types of things I serve at parties:

a big pot of soup
Turkish pide bread and/or French bread
aubergine dip (baba ganoush)
cheeses
fruit salad
tzaziki yogurt/cucumber dip
small gherkins
olives
maybe sun dried tomatoes in oil
tapenade
brownies or something similar
paté
roast or grilled veg
couscous salad
bean salad
plain green salads, 1 or 2 dressings served separately
easy to do hot : fill puff pastry with spinach + feta cheese
maybe pumpernickel with cream cheese + chives
sliced salmon + fresh lemon

I hope you'll find some inpiration there

David Hare-Scott wrote:
> I am moving into a new house soon and I would like to invite the
> neighbours/friends/workers/associates/etc for a house warming. It will be
> very informal, drop in, say hello, have a drink and a snack, disappear or
> stay and settle in for the afternoon, there could be anything from 25 to 50
> starters. It will be in the afternoon, the weather will be warm to mild, I
> don't know the tastes of many of the people (but assume not too adventurous)
> so I want to provide a variety so each can find a few things that they like.
> I want to prepare as much as possible in advance so that I can socialise
> rather than be chained to the oven. I am inclined towards mainly
> finger-food, about 2/3 cold, 1/3 hot.
>
> I seem to do the same sort of stuff all the time in this situation so I am
> asking for ideas the break out of old habits.
>
> David
>
>


1. I would call it an Open House rather than housewarming, which
implies bringing gifts, in my experience.

2. Choice of food somewhat depends on where you live.

some easy suggestions:

Have lots of napkins and toothpicks or cocktail forks!

platter of fresh fruit and cheeses
platter (on ice) of smoked salmon with lemon wedges, crackers, thin
sliced party rye, cream cheese, and capers
small meatballs in a dill cream sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce
Buffalo wings
vegetables and dip(s)
stuffed cherry tomatoes
cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers
wedges of melon wrapped in prosciutto
flour tortillas spread with herb cream cheese, topped with
ham and tiny gherkins, rolled and sliced into pinwheels
baked stuffed mushrooms
a spiral-sliced ham with small party rolls
pulled-pork BBQ with hard rolls
cheese fondue
chocolate fondue
cheesecake squares
brownies
tiny cupcakes

gloria p

Congrats on your new house! Many of the suggestions I just read in this
thread are great, and I won't add too much, but guacamole is also a
good (and easy) thing to serve, and you can make it ahead of time. I
also am fond of a dip that blends a can of vegetarian chili with 8 oz.
of cream cheese (you can do it in the microwave or on the stove). It's
so easy, and it tends to disappear really quickly. And since people are
suggesting such great sounding platters, with wide-ranging components,
I thought I would add that if you're serving baba ganouche or an olive
platter, hummus is always a nice addition.

Hope your party is a smash!


Puester wrote:
> David Hare-Scott wrote:
> > I am moving into a new house soon and I would like to invite the
> > neighbours/friends/workers/associates/etc for a house warming. It will be
> > very informal, drop in, say hello, have a drink and a snack, disappear or
> > stay and settle in for the afternoon, there could be anything from 25 to 50
> > starters. It will be in the afternoon, the weather will be warm to mild, I
> > don't know the tastes of many of the people (but assume not too adventurous)
> > so I want to provide a variety so each can find a few things that they like.
> > I want to prepare as much as possible in advance so that I can socialise
> > rather than be chained to the oven. I am inclined towards mainly
> > finger-food, about 2/3 cold, 1/3 hot.
> >
> > I seem to do the same sort of stuff all the time in this situation so I am
> > asking for ideas the break out of old habits.
> >
> > David
> >
> >
>
>
> 1. I would call it an Open House rather than housewarming, which
> implies bringing gifts, in my experience.
>
> 2. Choice of food somewhat depends on where you live.
>
> some easy suggestions:
>
> Have lots of napkins and toothpicks or cocktail forks!
>
> platter of fresh fruit and cheeses
> platter (on ice) of smoked salmon with lemon wedges, crackers, thin
> sliced party rye, cream cheese, and capers
> small meatballs in a dill cream sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce
> Buffalo wings
> vegetables and dip(s)
> stuffed cherry tomatoes
> cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers
> wedges of melon wrapped in prosciutto
> flour tortillas spread with herb cream cheese, topped with
> ham and tiny gherkins, rolled and sliced into pinwheels
> baked stuffed mushrooms
> a spiral-sliced ham with small party rolls
> pulled-pork BBQ with hard rolls
> cheese fondue
> chocolate fondue
> cheesecake squares
> brownies
> tiny cupcakes
>
> gloria p

"Dog3" > wrote in message
1...
snip
> Frogs Eyes (kosher dills wrapped in cream cheese and deli meat, chilled
> and
> sliced)
> Michael
Never heard it called that--but I know I will never forget it now ;o}Don't
forget to zap the cream cheese with some horseradish. Also, you can get out
the chafing dish or fondue pot and pour in a bottle of your favorite BBQ
sauce and toss in a package of little smokies sausages or cut wieners in
chunks. Be sure to put toothpicks nearby. Not fancy, but always very
popular. Don't forget a dish of sweet pickles somewhere--I swear, if there
was nothing else but the sweet pickles, men would be happy.
Janet

"Puester" > wrote in message
...
snip
> platter of fresh fruit and cheeses
> platter (on ice) of smoked salmon with lemon wedges, crackers, thin sliced
> party rye, cream cheese, and capers
> small meatballs in a dill cream sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce
> Buffalo wings
> vegetables and dip(s)
> stuffed cherry tomatoes
> cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers
> wedges of melon wrapped in prosciutto
> flour tortillas spread with herb cream cheese, topped with
> ham and tiny gherkins, rolled and sliced into pinwheels
> baked stuffed mushrooms
> a spiral-sliced ham with small party rolls
> pulled-pork BBQ with hard rolls
> cheese fondue
> chocolate fondue
> cheesecake squares
> brownies
> tiny cupcakes
>
> gloria p
I wanna come to your party, yum. Sounds like a lot of work though.
Janet

"David Hare-Scott" wrote
>I am moving into a new house soon and I would like to invite the
> neighbours/friends/workers/associates/etc for a house warming. It will be
> very informal, drop in, say hello, have a drink and a snack, disappear or
> stay and settle in for the afternoon, there could be anything from 25 to
> 50
> starters. It will be in the afternoon, the weather will be warm to mild,
> I
> don't know the tastes of many of the people (but assume not too
> adventurous)
> so I want to provide a variety so each can find a few things that they
> like.
> I want to prepare as much as possible in advance so that I can socialise
> rather than be chained to the oven. I am inclined towards mainly
> finger-food, about 2/3 cold, 1/3 hot.
>
> I seem to do the same sort of stuff all the time in this situation so I am
> asking for ideas the break out of old habits.
>
> David
>
>

David --- Part of the preparation for these pinwheels is that they be
frozen. Yes, I've made them several times, freezing them always. Also,
meatballs, chicken wings, and those delightful little teriaki spare ribs can
all be made ahead and frozen. For that matter, you can make any number of
things the day before (like dips) and refrigerate, and they will be tastier
the next day --- Pam

PINWHEELS

1 pkg flour tortillas (use 6 large tortillas)

1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese

1/2 pkg ranch dressing mix

1 tsp milk, only as necessary

3 - 4 green onions, finely chopped

1 lg red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 - 4 oz can black olives, finely chopped

Jalapeno peppers to taste, seeded and finely chopped (1 does nicely)

Combine cream cheese and ranch dressing mix; blend well. Add milk if
necessary to make a smooth mixture. Spread cream cheese on tortillas and
sprinkle chopped ingredients on top. Roll up tortillas. Slice (about 3/4 -
1-inch slices) and freeze. To serve, let thaw at room temperature. Garnish
with more chopped stuff.

Recipe from the American Women's Association of Hong Kong, South China
Seasons Cookbook, Volume II

"SPOONS" > wrote in message
...
> Hi David,
>
> Here are my two cents:
>
>
> HOT
> bake artichoke dip

I loooove artichokes, may I have a recipe for this please.

>
> Sangria can be made 2-3 days ahead of time & just replace the fruit with
> freshly cut fruit.
>

Excellent! It's so long since I did sangria, thanks for the reminder.

> Have fun & CONGRATS!!! on your new house
>
> Take care,
> SPOONS

David

"jake" > wrote in message
. nl...
> ok, I am from The Netherlands and can't judge what would suit people in
> your neighborhood. But here's the types of things I serve at parties:

Well they should just learn to eat all that good stuff that you listed.

> couscous salad

May I have a recipe please.

> bean salad

I do this with cooked green beans, chopped onion, dressed with brown
vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and black pepper. Is that what you had in
mind?

David

"Dog3" > wrote in message
1...
>
> Congrats on the new digs David!

... snip good ideas


>
> Have a great time and please report back, if you have time, what foods
you
> served and how it went over with the neighbors.

Well thankyou for the interest, I will do my best.
>
David

"Puester" > wrote in message
news:LQZUe.228296$5N3.227295@bgtnsc05->
> 1. I would call it an Open House rather than housewarming, which
> implies bringing gifts, in my experience.
>

I will try to avoid that.

> 2. Choice of food somewhat depends on where you live.
>

True, this is an internationl group so I hoped to get some ideas outside
what I already know, which is of course determined to a degree by where I
live.

> cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers

This is very interesting. What is jalapeno jelly exactly?


David

In article >, "David
Hare-Scott" > wrote:

> "Puester" > wrote in message
> news:LQZUe.228296$5N3.227295@bgtnsc05->

> > cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers
>
> This is very interesting. What is jalapeno jelly exactly?
>
>
> David

Pepper Jelly made with jalapeño peppers -- sweet and hot (usually not
very hot). Most often used with cream cheese on a cracker. Here are
some pictures:
http://images.google.com/images?q=pe...O-8859-1&hl=en
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Several notes since 8/18/05,
including the Blue Ribbon Brownie Recipe and a sad note added
this evening, 8/27/05.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >, "David
> Hare-Scott" > wrote:
>
> > "Puester" > wrote in message
> > news:LQZUe.228296$5N3.227295@bgtnsc05->
>
> > > cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers
> >
> > This is very interesting. What is jalapeno jelly exactly?
> >
> >
> > David
>
> Pepper Jelly made with jalape=F1o peppers -- sweet and hot (usually not
> very hot). Most often used with cream cheese on a cracker. Here are

This cream cheese thing is really good with a sauce called "Jezebel."

1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons Dijon-style prepared mustard
ground black pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened=20

N=2E

Melba's Jammin' > wrote in news:thisisbogus-
:

> In article >, "David
> Hare-Scott" > wrote:
>
>> "Puester" > wrote in message
>> news:LQZUe.228296$5N3.227295@bgtnsc05->
>
>> > cream cheese topped with jalapeno jelly to spread on crackers
>>
>> This is very interesting. What is jalapeno jelly exactly?
>>
>>
>> David
>
> Pepper Jelly made with jalapeño peppers -- sweet and hot (usually not
> very hot). Most often used with cream cheese on a cracker. Here are
> some pictures:
> http://images.google.com/images?q=pe...O-8859-1&hl=en

I've never seen it here - just did a bit of a search, and found plenty of
recipes, but not much else. Thought perhaps the Chilli Man might have
something similar (but can't find his website). Byron Bay Chilli Company
doesn't have anything like it.

You might have to make your own, David.

Rhonda Anderson
Cranebrook, NSW, Australia

In article .com>,
"Nancy1" > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
(snip)
> > Pepper Jelly made with jalapeño peppers -- sweet and hot (usually not
> > very hot). Most often used with cream cheese on a cracker. Here are
>
> This cream cheese thing is really good with a sauce called "Jezebel."
>
> 1 (12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
> 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
> 2 tablespoons Dijon-style prepared mustard
> ground black pepper to taste
> 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
>
> N.

Do you mix them all together?
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Sam I Am! updated 9-12-05

In article >, Rhonda
Anderson > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' > wrote in news:thisisbogus-
> >
> > Pepper Jelly made with jalapeño peppers -- sweet and hot (usually
> > not very hot). Most often used with cream cheese on a cracker.
> > Here are some pictures:

> I've never seen it here

I mailed a jar to you today -- slow boat to Australia. You should have
it in 4-6 weeks. :-/ Peachy Pepper Jelly.
-B
--
-Barb, <http://www.jamlady.eboard.com> Sam I Am! updated 9-12-05

Melba's Jammin' > wrote in news:thisisbogus-
:

> In article >, Rhonda
> Anderson > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' > wrote in news:thisisbogus-
>> >
>> > Pepper Jelly made with jalapeño peppers -- sweet and hot (usually
>> > not very hot). Most often used with cream cheese on a cracker.
>> > Here are some pictures:
>
>> I've never seen it here
>
> I mailed a jar to you today -- slow boat to Australia. You should have
> it in 4-6 weeks. :-/ Peachy Pepper Jelly.
> -B

You are a wonderful, wonderful woman! Thank you very much. That will be
something different for me to try with crackers and cream cheese. A
popular cream cheese additive here is sweet chilli sauce - pour sweet
chilli sauce over cream cheese and scoop it up with crackers. They even
have a commercially available version now where the sauce is under the
cream cheese, so all you have to do is open the tub and upend it on to a
plate (like plating a creme caramel!)


Rhonda Anderson
Cranebrook, NSW, Australia