No-Fuss Party Tips

By Rebecca Kracke Gordon
March 15, 2012
Jennifer Davick
Pull on your dark denim and slip into your favorite heels for fresh food and fun with the girls. Here, five great tips for a fuss-free party
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No Fuss Allowed!

Jennifer Davick

Follow our lead for a bash that’s sure to be the buzz for weeks to come. Graze on Chicken Caesar Salad Bites that transform familiar flavors into chic little nibbles, or try Blue Cheese-Walnut Finger Sandwiches. They bring new flair to the standard cream cheese version. In a time crunch? No worries. Many of the recipes offer flexibility, so look for time-saving tips sprinkled throughout. Choose a seasonal color for the table, but be sure to keep it easy by pulling in lighter and darker hues, from plants to plates, for simple sophistication.

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Spicy Boiled Shrimp With Creamy Buttermilk-Avocado Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Tip: To ensure that shrimp stay chilled, place half out when guests arrive, and replenish the platter as needed.

Recipe: Spicy Boiled Shrimp With Creamy Buttermilk-Avocado Sauce

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Blue Cheese-Walnut Finger Sandwiches

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Tip: To save time, instead of preparing sandwiches, mix spread as directed and serve it with preserves on crackers.

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Mustard-Dill Tortellini Salad Skewers

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Time-Saver Tip: Nix the skewers, and toss salad with 1⁄2 cup of dressing just before serving. Spoon into a pretty bowl, and garnish with a dill sprig

Recipe: Mustard-Dill Tortellini Salad Skewers

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Vanilla-Champagne Soaked Fruit

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Time-Saver Tip: Substitute 1 (11-oz.) can mandarin orange segments for the fresh orange

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By Rebecca Kracke Gordon