If you are hosting a party for any event or occasion – then try these party food ideas. Whether you’re having a large gathering or a small one, you will want your guests to have plenty to snack on – and it’s also part of the entertainment. If it’s for a birthday you may have a particular theme in mind and the same goes with baby and bridal showers. It’s important to cater for everyone so check for food allergies with guests beforehand. Make sure to have a nice selection of sweet and savory available to tempt guests. You can make tear apart cupcake cakes to easily feed a large number and it will look great on your dessert table. For healthy, savory snacks you can opt for veggie platters. A quick grab and go option is to put fruit or popcorn in plastic cups. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
Nothing says fun and delicious like a “Build Your Own Taco” bar! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family gathering, or a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, a taco bar is a crowd-pleasing way to serve a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to set up, budget-friendly, and totally customizable!
Taco Bar Essentials
- Tortillas (soft flour, corn, or crunchy taco shells)
- Protein options: Seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or black beans for a vegetarian option
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese
- Veggies: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and sliced jalapeños
- Beans: Black beans, refried beans, or pinto beans
- Toppings: Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and pico de gallo
- Extras: Hot sauce, olives, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro
- Chips & Dips: Tortilla chips with queso, guacamole, or salsa on the side
Instructions
Use a long table covered with a check tablecloth. Arrange toppings in small bowls or labeled containers for easy access. Set up a tray or buffet station to guide guests through the taco-building process. Cook and season your protein choices ahead of time. Chop and prepare all veggies and toppings so they’re ready to serve. Warm the tortillas just before serving and keep them covered to stay soft.
Make a colorful Bunny Veggie and Dip Platter for appetizers or a healthy snack in between meals. It also makes a terrific centerpiece for your table on the day. You can make the bunny from bread and use his belly to place dip into. Choose from vegetables including, carrots, cauliflower, beetroot, celery, tomatoes and anything else you enjoy.
Ingredients & Supplies
- 1 large round loaf of bread (for the dip bowl)
- 1 smaller round bread roll (for the bunny’s head)
- 2 oval-shaped bread rolls (for the bunny’s ears)
- 2 black olives (for the eyes)
- 1 small cherry tomato or red bell pepper piece (for the nose)
- Celery sticks (for whiskers)
- Your favorite dip (cheese, spinach-artichoke, ranch, or hummus)
- Assorted veggies (carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes) for serving
- Toothpicks & knife
Instructions
Cut off the top of the large round loaf and hollow out the center to create space for your dip. Set aside the removed bread for dipping. Place the small round roll slightly above the bread bowl to form the bunny’s head. Use the two oval rolls to create bunny ears, securing them with toothpicks if needed.Place black olives on the head as eyes. Use a small cherry tomato or red bell pepper piece for the nose. Cut thin celery sticks and arrange them as whiskers. Pour your favorite warm or cold dip into the bread bowl. Surround the bunny with fresh veggies and extra bread pieces for dipping.
Fruit Cups ready to go on a tiered tray are a great idea for a bridal shower.
Supplies
- Tiered serving stand (or a large platter)
- Small clear cups or mini dessert bowls
- Small tongs or spoons for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Strawberries – sliced in halves
- Blueberries – for a pop of color
- Green grapes – whole or halved
- Cantaloupe – cubed
- Blackberries or raspberries (optional)
Instructions
Wash and dry all the fruit thoroughly.Slice strawberries in half for a polished look.Cut cantaloupe into small, even cubes.Leave grapes and blueberries whole for easy serving. Place a mix of fruits into each small cup, layering colors for a vibrant look. Add a few blueberries or a grape on top for contrast. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf for an elegant touch. Arrange on a Tiered Stand. Arrange the cups on a tiered serving tray for a stunning presentation. If you don’t have a tiered stand, a simple platter or cake stand will work too!
Make sure to have plenty of different cheeses and cutting them into cubes will make a very handy grab and go snack for guests. You can provide picks and crackers as well.
Supplies
- Tiered serving tray (ceramic or metal)
- Small serving tongs or spoons
- Cheese knives for slicing (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme) for garnish
- Mild Cheese (Top Tier) – Brie, Havarti, or Monterey Jack
- Sharp Cheese (Middle Tier) – Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Gouda
- Aged Cheese (Bottom Tier) – Parmesan, Swiss, or Gruyère
Instructions
Cut each type of cheese into bite-sized cubes for easy serving. Arrange different cheeses on separate tiers to allow for easy selection.
Top Tier: Light, creamy cheeses like Havarti or Brie.
Middle Tier: A balanced mix like cheddar or Colby Jack for a pop of color.
Bottom Tier: Rich, aged cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère for a strong finish.
Garnish each tier with a small sprig of fresh parsley or rosemary.
