the holidays are jam-packed and stressful enough- here are four simple and carefree assembly only holiday appetizers to serve while you focus on the main dish and hosting. I’ve also included some quick entertaining tips to streamline your morning and afternoon before guests arrive.
All four of these assembly only holiday appetizers are also great served chilled/room temperature- they are safe sitting out for a few hours- 4 hours max. In addition to these four ideas, don’t forget about my assembly only classic ploughman’s lunch– another simple way to entertain without all the fuss!
1. relish tray
prepare a relish tray with jarred items or items from your grocer’s olive bar. this tray is genius because it does double duty- it can serve as a martini garnish by the bar and can help adorn the main dish for christmas, thanksgiving or holiday dinner parties.
you can include items such as:
- assorted olives, (my favorite are buttery italian castelvetrano olives).
- pickles, (love this super crisp and fresh version).
- pickled okra, (these spicy ones are a holiday hit).
- giardiniera, (a clean version).
- halved radishes
- cocktail onions
- bundles of fresh herbs for garnish
2. a southern classic
my mom made this simple appetizer every Christmas Eve during my childhood for her annual cocktail party. you simply spoon jalapeño jelly atop cream cheese and serve it with crackers alongside. it’s creamy, sweet, spicy and addicting! you could serve any jam or jelly you like but the hot pepper jalapeño jelly really provides dimension with the light spice addition to cut through the rich cream cheese and sweet jelly. This is her favorite brand.
3. marinated olives
one of my go-to assembly only holiday appetizers are marinated olives. you can mix them up the night before your event, tossing crushed Chile flakes, julienned orange peel, minced garlic, good olive oil and seasonings together. Let the olives marinate overnight then bring to room temperature 30 minutes before guests arrive to serve alongside your favorite cheese and fruits.
4. store-bought dip
buy a premade dip and serve with crackers on a decorative platter with garnishes.
some dip/cheese/fruit combos:
- store-bought pimiento cheese served with sliced apples and pickled okra
- store-bought hummus garnished with good olive oil and spices served with grapes and pita chips
- store-bought herbed cheese with tinned smoked salmon and crostini toasts
- store-bought spinach artichoke dip with fresh cherries and rosemary crackers
quick entertaining tips:
follow these simple tips to streamline your morning before your event begins so you are cool as a cucumber upon arrival.
- have appetizers out and candles lit 20 minutes before guests are expected to arrive. This prevents a mad rush if guests arrive early.
- prepare a self-serve beverage area so guests can pour their own drinks.
- scatter 2-3 appetizers around the entertaining area- bar, kitchen and living room.
- make sure to run dishwasher and unload in the morning so it’s empty when guests arrive.
