No-Fuss Party Tips

By Rebecca Kracke Gordon
March 15, 2012
Credit: 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!

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

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

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