Assembly Only Holiday Appetizers

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!

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My mom's gorgeous Thanksgiving place settings.

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:

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A simple relish tray has dual purposes- it can help garnish martinis at the bar and enhance the main dish as well.

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. 

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A southern classic- a block of cream cheese topped with festive pepper jelly and crackers.

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. 

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Marinated olives are delicious served with an aged manchego, quince paste and fresh fruit.

4. store-bought dip

buy a premade dip and serve with crackers on a decorative platter with garnishes. 

some dip/cheese/fruit combos:

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Pimiento cheese is always a crowd favorite and simple to find scratch-made to purchase at local shops.

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. 
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Add your simple appetizers in a decorative bowl with a tray, cocktail napkins and a couple decor items for guests to help themselves. Happy Snacking!
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