Appetizers aren't a traditional part of the Turkey Day line-up, but we think it's a good to give people something to snack on while the meal is coming together. What do you think?
Holiday Entertaining: Do You Serve Appetizers for Thanksgiving Dinner?
When you come right down to it, Thanksgiving Dinner is really just a big dinner party. And in our opinion, dinner parties require appetizers - particularly if folks are having a glass of wine while they wait for dinner!
With a big meal like Thanksgiving, we don't want to spend a lot of time on fussy appetizers or make ones that would fill people up before dinner. We're thinking of setting out a few bowls of spiced toasted nuts or maybe a simple platter of cheese and crackers.
What other easy, light appetizers do you recommend?
Related: Entertaining: Make-Ahead Tips for Dinner Parties
(Image: Flickr member Monkey Cat! licensed under Creative Commons)
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We put out a veggie and dip plate---it stops people from starving to death but doesn't fill them up. If there were a tray like the one above out I'd have to take my turkey to-go.
view sally599's profile
We make "ham-pickle things." (Slices of ham spread with cream cheese, with a whole dill pickle, rolled up and sliced.)
And often have black olives, crackers, and things like that out.
view ashleym (aka autzve on flickr)'s profile
Strictly raw veggies with a really light dip--last year it was goat cheese and chive. The main meal is so huge that I wouldn't think of putting anything else out.
view sjbreeze's profile
My family has the tradition of putting out a shrimp ring and cocktail sauce. It's not fancy, but it tastes good!
view revolution9's profile
I'm planning to start my Thanksgiving Lidia Bastianich style: I'll serve an Affetati Misti (mixed charcuterie plate) to my foodie friends. Though this dish technically isn't "light", it certainly is easy and delicious!
view foodwoolf's profile
Ricotta and Feta tiropitas and broiled white asparagus wrapped with prosciutto -- there's at least one holiday every year I get requests for these. Also good is chard and artichoke dip.
view cymry's profile
No appetizers: the full meal is enough food...
view LuckyMonkey's profile
If you don't put something out for family and guests then they are in the kitchen trying to pick at the dinner while you are preparing it! I allow a little picking, but it can get out of hand...
view jgphotomom's profile
Fig and goat cheese bruschetta with fresh figs (aah, the joy of California!) and honey, as well as almonds, olives, and a little crudité to go with the mulled apple cider. Yum, right?
view bagelinLA's profile
we've done it before - served a little cheese and crackers, nothing fancy and nothing too full. We figure if people want to fill up on the appetizers, it leaves more of the meal for us. :)
Tabitha @ http://www.fromsingletomarried.com
view Tabitha (From Single to Married)'s profile
That picture is my ideal appetiser plate. Yum!
view seidhr's profile