The best foods to serve at a party when you want casual food to feel expensive

Antojitos, charcuterie boards, and Caprese skewers are among the best foods to serve at a party if you want casual finger foods that taste and look fabulous. They look fantastic when plated, and because they’re generally easy to make and prep, you can spend more time with your guests. 

Remember: Your party should be a time for fun and socializing, but prepping and serving meals can stress you out. As the National Hog Farmer notes, dinner is already the most stressful meal for nearly half of parents. It could be even more so if it’s for a party, so it pays to do your food research. 

How Much Food Should You Prepare to Serve at a Party? 

How much party food to prepare depends on whether you plan to serve just light snacks or a full meal.

A guide from lifestyle magazine Southern Living notes that most party planners and caterers use the rule of calculating a pound of food per adult and half a pound per child. It further breaks things down to the following, per person:

• 2 to 4 ounces of appetizers
• 8 ounces of sides
• Dessert (e.g., a slice of pie, 4 ounces of mousse, or 5 ounces of ice cream)

What Should You Consider When Planning a Menu for a Party? 

Dietary needs and restrictions are among the most crucial considerations when deciding on party dishes. You don’t want guests to be unable to eat and enjoy the event because of:

• Food allergies (e.g., peanuts, dairy, seafood)
• Sensitivities (gluten or celiac disease)
• Medical requirements (for guests with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease)
• Religious or cultural diets

What Are the Best Foods to Serve at a Party That Are Easy and Classy? 

The best foods to serve at a party that are easy and classy are make-ahead dishes requiring minimal cooking or prep. Antojitos, charcuterie boards, and Caprese skewers are some examples. 

Antojitos 

Antojitos, which translates to “little cravings,” can be easy yet classy party food ideas because they: 

• Are easy to prep ahead 
• Come in bite-size pieces 
• Look fabulous on a platter

As traditional Mexican street foods, antojitos work well as easy appetizers. You can dish out sopes with chorizo during your party in Capitol Hill, WA, or mini tacos made of fresh homemade tortillas in San Diego, CA. 

Charcuterie Boards 

Charcuterie boards make for great party foods, requiring no cooking and just minutes to assemble. Top choices include:

• A variety of rich cheeses (brie, cheddar, gouda)
• Colorful fruits (grapes and berries)
• Folded meats (salami, prosciutto)
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)

While charcuterie boards require minimal prep, they can look stunning if you arrange the ingredients in a colorful, balanced way.

Caprese Skewers 

Caprese skewers are another top party food pick that look elegant, taste scrumptious, and require no cooking at all. You only need four primary ingredients:

• Fresh cherry tomatoes
• Small mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves (between each tomato and mozzarella ball)
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze

Satisfy Everyone’s Tummies With These Party Foods

The best foods to serve at a party, like antojitos, charcuterie boards, and Caprese skewers, don’t take too much of a toll on the host. They’re easy to make but look gorgeous, and most importantly, taste great. 

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