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Dishes for party guests: What to bring

by Vincent Zhang 07/15/2024

Attending a potluck or picnic-style party can be a great opportunity to share and experience a wide range of dishes. For party guests, however, it can be intimidating to decide what to bring. You want to bring something to please a crowd, but without blowing your budget or spending all day in the kitchen.

Luckily, there are some easy party food ideas you’ll love to share with fellow guests. Here are a few suggestions to try:


Charcuterie boards & platters

If you want a delicious party snack without any cooking required, consider a charcuterie board or cheese platter. In addition to being quick and simple to put together, boards and platters give you an enormous amount of flexibility when choosing foods to share. A variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruit and vegetables can make a statement without a ton of effort.

For a safer and more convenient take on a cheese board or platter, consider stacking pieces of cheese, salami or other ingredients into bite-sized portions. Breaking your platter down into finger foods will make it easier for guests to enjoy without accidentally spreading germs or making a mess.


Creamy, cheesy dip recipes

A warm, savory dip is a tried and true party food option perfect for almost any occasion. For a classic recipe, try a spinach and artichoke dip made with sour cream, cream cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh herbs and pair with delicious crusty bread, crackers or even tortilla chips.

Try creating individually portioned snacks with spinach artichoke dip in a small cup or ramekin. This turns a party food favorite into a mobile snack guests can mingle with rather than crowd around the same bowl.


Single-serving party snacks

The sky’s the limit when it comes to bite-sized party snacks. You can go savory or sweet depending on preference, and use a wide variety of ingredients. Some excellent examples include:


  • Individual caprese salad bites made with tomato, mozzarella and basil.
  • Savory and spicy jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon.
  • Roasted skewers with a rainbow of fresh veggies.


Your choice in party foods ultimately comes down to the individual party and your own preferences. Regardless of the occasion, you’ll know you can get the party started with these quick and simple party food ideas.


About the Author
Author

Vincent Zhang

I am a real estate broker, property manager, and investor, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To each client, I bring close to a decade of experience in real estate, first as a real estate investor, then manager, and now love to share my experience and knowledge with property buyers and sellers as a real estate broker. Since attending the University of Michigan in 2005, I have lived in Ann Arbor ever since. My exceptional knowledge of the market as an investor and property manager provides a unique perspective and competitive advantage to my clients for selling and buying both residential and investment properties.

I have successfully managed investment properties in Ypsilanti and Kalamazoo and have conducted real estate transactions throughout southeast Michigan. Whether clients are looking for their first home, vacation homes, or the home of their dreams, I will be able to stay on top of the process, remove obstacles and make the real estate deals as pleasurable as possible. I enjoy working with people and finding ways to share a laugh or two in the process. I take pride in being available to my clients and being responsive to their needs.

In addition to my residential property expertise, and my multicultural background, I am capable of working with international investors and home buyers to make their international property purchases smoother and trouble-free. If you are interested in the acquisition of investment homes for your children while they attend the University of Michigan, as a property manager, investor, and broker, I will be able to help you make that reality come true.

I graduated from the University of Michigan and own and operate several businesses in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In addition to my real estate experience, I am also a technology enthusiast and am always on the hunt to use technology and media to enhance the buying and selling experience. 

If you are looking to make your first home purchase, or are trying to sell your home, give me a call and I can guide you through the services that I can offer you to help you start along the journey. I take great pride in my work and it would be an honor for me to represent you and your needs.

Yours truly, Vincent Zhang