Planning a holiday party? Here are a few pointers for a successful and tasty party!

• Cheese platters are always a big hit! Be festive and add a pop of color as you see in this photo. Colorful displays like this are eye-catching and have such a happy and festive vibe. Think:  pomegranates, strawberries, colorful ornaments, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and lavender.
• Festive drink combos are the way to go! Bellissima Prosecco, developed by the talented Christie Brinkley, is our new fave. These are organic and vegan and oh so tasty! Try to find the Bellissima Sparkling Rose Wine which has hints of strawberry, and mix with a White-Cran and Strawberry juice. Be sure to add some pomegranates for a pop of color. The effervescence from the Sparkling Wine keeps the poms moving from the top to the bottom of the glass and vise versa. This is tasty and colorful drink combo!
• An Assortment of cheeses is the key! AGED is our all-time fave! AGED Merlot cheese, AGED Gouda, AGED cheddar and a soft spreadable herbed cheese is a great idea as well, be sure to add fresh chives for a pop of color!
• Use a HUGE rustic wood board as a focal point. This one is actually from Sur La Table. It’s very sturdy and I love the earthy tone which coordinates well with the vibrate colors.
• A combination of crackers keeps things interesting! Choose all kinds of crackers, mix and match for texture, taste and shape.
• An assortment of salty meats will pair well with this fruity drink or Bellissima Prosecco which is dry with a hint of sweet. Think:  Prosciutto, Salami, Pepperoni. They all work! I have a great appetizer on my blog called Pepperoni Pinwheels which I served with this drink AND shaped it in the form of a Christmas tree. Super cute and yummy pairing.
• Assorted Olive varieties is great too. Think: Kalamata, black olives, Spanish olives. 
• No party is complete without salty potato chips and a homemade dip. I have a creamy and rich dip recipe in my cookbook, Mariooch’s Kitchen Food That Will Gather Your Family. Check it out – it’s called Creamy Dill and Lemon Dip, always a bit hit.
• Add one or two more apps to round out your cocktail party like my savory zucchini bread or my ever-popular skillet apps.
• Have a pot of something on the stove for taste testings ie; penne ala vodka or some Swedish meatballs. Keep it hot in a skillet. 
• Some tips on getting everyone talking! If you have a small gathering of friends, get them talking and laughing by asking them how they met their spouse. This is a great way for everyone to get to know each other, and it’s so fun to hear how people met! Or ask about where they have traveled in the world which is always fascinating.
• Ready, set, entertain! Happy Holidays!!