My hostess secret? I get my appetizers from Costco. Mini quiche, mini egg rolls, tomato and feta tartlettes, and the spanakopita are all good but not always in stock. If you go the frozen route, be sure to enlist an extra pair of hands to be pulling stuff out of the oven while you can greet guests. But if you go the make-it-yourself route, here are some suggestions for pretty easy and really tasty (sounding) appetizers that I’d love to find at my next gathering.

Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread

White-bean Dip

Baked Brie with Pecans (shown above, from Martha Stewart)

Cheesy bread

Layered Bean Dip (easy to make before, because it’s served cool)

Carmelized Onion Tarts

Or I always like an easy guacomole. Here’s how I make mine (serves 3-4, depending on how much they like guac!)

1 avacodo, peeled, pitted, and mashed with a fork

1/2 cup salsa

1 TBs sour cream (not necessary, but tasty!)

1/2 tsp lemon juice to keep it’s color

salt to taste, about 1/2 tsp

Mash and stir together, but leave it a little thick and not too creamy. Perfect for chips, pita or french bread. Could also be used as a dip for other crudites like carrot sticks or celery.