How often do you find yourself completely wiped out during the holidays, forgetting the important stuff, shopping, cooking, complicated dishes or easy snacks? Did I hear YES? Yep, you are my people, as I am the queen of screwing up during the holidays.
Who forgets about the shipping deadlines? I do
Who doesn’t think that certain things tend to sell out? Me again
Who forgets the hostess gifts until the very last minute? Guilty
However, what I am really good at is finding excuses and blaming others:
It is for your father, not mine, why didn’t you buy his gift?
What? They can’t get it shipped here in two days? They clearly don’t want my business
What hostess gift? Didn’t they ask not to bring anything last year?
When it comes to the big holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, I know better than committing to a perfect day, because that is when things go wrong. However, I do have a plan in place for this year’s celebration – I want to to be ready! I am not planning big receptions, but I know we will have guests and probably some that don’t call ahead. Instead of relying on them to bring a 3-course dinner (guests do that, right?) and before calling the nearby restaurant for the take out, I am committing to the pull-proof appetizer plan – whenever the guests are at the doors, the plan goes in motion.
Would you like to know how it works? Only for you, my patient reader, I am ready to spill my secrets, and we could sure use a delicious rehearsal right about now.
Cheese-n-Tomato Bites
If you just happen to have to have bite-size mozzarella cheese (also known as Bocconcini), use that. However, if all you have is sliced deli cheese, we can make it work. 
If the cheese slices are too big, cut it in half and wrap it around the cherry tomatoes and carefully thread it onto the catering pick.
Hot Pocket Bites
You will love this one as it is the simplest of them all. Follow the instructions on the box to prepare your hot pockets. For convenience, keep a 12-pack around for all kinds of occasions.
These are perfect to have as a backup any day – each sandwich has 9 grams of protein or more, making it a delicious snack with serious staying power. I can think of a couple days this week when I was too hungry to even think about what to cook for the family, when a hot pocket helped me get back into the “our mom is a mode
Have your pockets all hot and ready? Let them cool off just a bit and cut them with the sharp knife. Use the picks for the ease of use and fancy presentation.
Bite My Cracker
What kind of crunch do you keep in your pantry? Baguettes or Crackers would work perfect for this appetizer. You will need that along with a cream cheese and a sliced cucumber. Any other vegetables can be used as decorations as well.
I love those cheese and tomato bites. They make such a bright, colorful plate!
Great ideas! I am sure I will use these with drop in holiday guests.
I am like you – I don’t plan for a perfect day or party because I know it’s not going to happen. I love your appetizers though. So simple to put together and not a lot of fancy ingredients. I could definitely pull these off!
Great tips! I don’t know how many times I have had people show up at the door and I’ve completely forgotten to make any kind of snacks. Thanks!
Those are cute, and very colorful. I’ve never thought to make Hot Pocket bites either – super easy!
I love how you served the Hot Pockets, so ingenious and my guests would never know! We serve cheese and veggies often too- it’s a great last minute appetizer!
Now these are super creative! I really like the cracker bites
What awesome ideas! I love how pretty they look even though they were so easy to make.
I am the biggest fan of Hot Pockets that lives. And those tomato cheese bites – total brilliance! It pays to have things in the freezer so you can pull them out when unexpected guests pop in
So easy but SO pretty! WOW excellent ideas I am totally going to use them!! I really am lazy this year and this is so helpful! Thank you!
LOL, Hot Pocket bites. At least by cutting them open you won’t burn the roof of your mouth!
Mmmm, Cheese and Tomato Bites. Don’t know why I haven’t thought of that before! And Hot Pocket Bites? Genius!
Great ideas. I hate it when we run out of snacks so these ideas will be good to have on hand for all of our guests.
I get my best cleaning done in the last 15 minutes before guests arrive. Similarly, I can whip up appetizers as I run to the door to answer the bell. These are perfect appetizers for me!
I’m definitely that person who’s always looking for last minute ideas. Great ideas! #client
I love all these! Such great ideas when in a pinch! I’m infamous for thinking up a crazy dish to do and then forgetting till the last minute and having to stay up late getting it done. These will be perfect when I forget again! LOL
Love your ideas! When I throw parties I tend to go a little overboard and spend way to much time prepping for the party so that when party time comes I’m exhausted. I love the idea of having a few quick appetizers that look great!
this is a great tip and recipe for those always on the go and has no time to prepare .
These are such easy ideas. I love the tomato and cheese. Nice and easy
What great simple little recipes for some wonderful treats. These would be fun to make for our family movie night.