#CBCSundaySugar - How to Create a Party Pretty Food Spread

Need an idea for some quick party food? This Party Pretty Food Spread is my go-to EASY set up! It’s great for parties and showers! Mix and match with various dips and veggies to tailor it to you and your guests dietary needs.

Servings: 20+

Preparation time: 20-40 minutes (depending on whether you buy or make your own dips)

Ingredients:

• 3 peppers: 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 orange

• 2-3 small containers of cheese cubes (pre-cut cheese cubes is easiest)

• Fresh fruit (I used grapes, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries)

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced

• 1 box party crackers (your choice)

• 1 box Nut Thins

• 1 bag tortilla chips

• 1 16 oz. container salsa (your choice)

• Pistachios (shelled or not)

• Black olives, sliced and pitted

• Hummus (I used store bought)

• Herb dip (I made my own with some fresh dill, vegan mayo and cream cheese, but you can purchase yours for quicker prep)

• Optional: Mint leaves (decor only)

• Optional: Fresh flowers (decor only)

• Large cutting board (I used the LAMPLIG from IKEA), cheese board, variety of plates and bowls

• Dessert option: Brownie Cheesecake Ball via Chocolate Covered Katie (It’s not pictured in this post because it was DEVOURED by my guests and I forgot to get a photo before it started to be eaten!). I served mine with graham crackers.

Food preparation, styling and photography by Carolyn J. Braden

How-To:

1. Rinse all fruit and veggies

2. Slice and dice them according to your needs

3. Cover the cutting boards with parchment. (I only covered my large cutting board because I knew the berries would probably stain it).

4. Place the dips and the salsa in appropriate sized bowls with spoons (either in the bowls or nearby)

5. Arrange the fruit, veggies and cheese on the boards

6. Place crackers and olives in separate bowls or on plates

7. Place chips in a large bowl

8. Arrange the optional mint leaves and flowers among the food

9. Allow your guests to eat and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

• Because this set-up is very self serve, you can lay out small serving plates nearby, OR allow guests to eat straight from the spread.

• Have napkins nearby or among the food spread.

• Serve flavored waters (people LOVE cucumber and mint water….it sounds fancy and is refreshing…I make mine by placing some diced cucumbers and mint leaves in some water overnight, then strain it out the next day), sparkling fruit juices, plain water, tea, coffee or soda.

Did you make this recipe or have feedback? Leave me a comment or fill out the form below!

I also love to hear how people made my recipes their own! Post it to social media and tag it #carolynsdailydishes