Cocktail Party-Barefoot Style

Watching 'Barefoot Contessa' is one of my all-time favorite pastimes. Whether it's a small or large occasion, Ina Garten truly knows the in's and out's of entertaining and isn't afraid to share her secrets. She's my kind of woman.

Last night I learned a few tips that I thought I would pass along (in case you didn't spend your night on the couch like I did)

-Always serve 6 different appetizers for your party. 

-3 store-bought and 3 homemade (if you can). 

-Try to use a combination of hot and cold appetizers as well as different textures and tastes.

The menu:

Homemade:

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Horseradish Sauce (a wonderful change from the normal shrimp cocktail)

Blue Cheese and Walnut Homemade Crackers

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites

Store-Bought

Salted Marcona Almonds

Fresh Olives

English Cucumber witih Sliced Sopressata

This menu is pretty easy and allows the host to mingle with his/her guests-which is how a party should be.  She also recommends lining up the glasses on a bar (or table) with pretty linens and flowers. Finally she suggests to have 3 glasses on hand for each guest since people tend to lose their cup here and there (and want to try different kinds of wine).

Cocktail parties are a wonderful alternative to a dinner party.  Invite over your friends and mingle!

Barefoot Contessa (footnetwork.com), Gourmet sleutch, amazon