Laid-Back Chili Party

Set up a toppings bar so your guests can dress up their own bowls of Smoky Chicken Chili.

William Dickey, Charles Walton IV / Styling Mindi Shapiro Levine, Katherine Webb / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns

Southwestern-Style Gathering
Serves 8

Salsa, Guacamole, and Chips (Buy fresh salsa in the deli or produce department. Add a little chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the flavor. Buy frozen guacamole, and add fresh lime juice to perk it up.)
Frozen Cranberry Margaritos
Smoky Chicken Chili
Citrus-Avocado Salad With Tex-Mex Vinaigrette
Cornbread Muffin Trees
Pound Cake With Caramel Icing And Apricot-Ginger Sprinkles

Life's busy, especially during the holidays, so it's smart to go with recipes that are make ahead, freezeable, and easy to finish off at the last minute. This anything-but-ordinary chili party is just the ticket. It's perfect for the night before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve, a dinner club gathering, or tree-trimming party.

Let guests help themselves to a laid-back menu with all the fixins.|Shirley Harrington