Recently I got an email from one of my readers asking about easy, no-prep appetizer recommendations, and it occurred to me that with the Holidays around the corner, it’s great to be prepared at a moment’s notice. I wanted to share my response on the blog so all of my hostesses are equally as ready to entertain! Here it is:

1. I would recommend always having a fresh cheese in your fridge, specifically brie because you can serve it cold with a few figs on top {see this FH recipe}, or if you have a bit more time and a package of crescent roll crust, you can bake it {see this FH recipe}.
2.  Of course, an array of crackers are a must in your pantry to accompany your cheeses. I love Carr’s Crackers, Kale Chips, or Baked Sweet Potato Chips {I have a great recipe for ones I made with coconut oil here}.
3. Want to be more health conscious? A crudite platter – mini carrots, celery, and peppers in a range of colors served with either hummus, salad dressing like ranch, or even salsa. Have some extra time? Make my Home-made red pepper hummus.
4. Nuts and dried fruits are yummy and healthy too. I like to put out a couple of different options – a bowl of almonds, a bowl of cashews, and a bowl of figs, similar to my picture above. I usually stay away from Pistachios because the shells get my coffee table all messy!
5. For those of you who rarely go to the grocery, you will need some options that won’t spoil. My girlfriend recently introduced me to Plantain Chips which last forever in the pantry, are a yummy snack, and need no dipping accompaniment.

I would say the most important thing to remember in entertaining on the fly is the presentation. Make sure you have a fabulous cheese plate, cocktail napkins, and pretty glasses for these special occasions. I always set my glasses out on a tray like in this FH post, dim the lights, and light a few candles!