RECIPE :: Holiday Pasta Bites Appetizer + Party Tips

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It's beginning to look a lot like  . . . that time of year again! That's right, the holiday season has started along with all of those parties that go right along with this season of fun! This is by far my favorite time of year and with all of the exciting things you may have planned, you could perhaps, use an idea for a different appetizer to try at your next party. Well you're in luck as today I am sharing a couple holiday party tips for a simple adult mixer over the holidays, an easy holiday bites appetizer recipe and hopefully you find an idea or two to do at your own holiday party this year!

I love to entertain and these tips I am sharing with you today have always helped this girl out, so hopefully they do you too. They are my TOP 5 things needed for a holiday cocktail party: I believe every fab party should include amazing appetizers, a great wine, accessories, serving pieces and a great focal point. 

1. When planning a party table or a small gathering, try to make a great centerpiece or focal point for your guests that not only looks pretty but can be functional too. Layering different prints and varying heights can add a lot of visual eye candy to your table!

2. It's the holidays! Time to bust out your fancy serving pieces, ya know . . . the ones you save for a special occasion! This IS that time, time to use all of those great platters in all the great colors, textures and prints to dress up your table scape.

3. Make sure to use some accessories on your table, like cheese cutters, serving pieces, to napkins and dessert plates as you don't want your guests having to search for what they need.

4. It's a party, so make sure to have some great wine on hand that pairs up nicely with the other food you will be serving. This one I picked up in Walmart's wine department and they have a great selection . . .this one is from the Robert Mondavi Private Collection.

5. Truth. If I could live on nothing but appetizers, I soooo would, as they are the first thing I munch on at a party and I think it's because they tend to be mini versions of food, I love anything mini, so it totally makes sense. On my latest trip to Walmart I picked up some classics that I always have at my gatherings, as they always have what I am looking for: assorted cheeses, grapes, Pepperidge Farm cracker trio, Pepperidge Farm Classic cookie collection and a great bottle of wine to compliment them all. (have you seen their super premium wine department lately? Great selection and even better prices!) I also wanted to try to make something a little different to have on hand but still be a finger food. I wanted a pasta appetizer, so I picked up this new Barilla Pronto Penne pasta to give my idea a try.

This recipe is super quick and easy! The recipe for: Holiday Pasta Bites

1. All you are going to do is assemble this appetizer after you cook the pasta but it was so easy and quick, so no worries. Simply follow the directions on the pasta box as it's a one-pot cooking only method. (which means less dishes). Follow the instructions and allow to cool completely before assembling this appetizer.
 
2. Cut your choice of cheese into small squares, along with a veggie of your choosing. I used broccoli for mine and loved it.
 
3. Simply take a piece of pasta, then cheese, then piece of broccoli/veggie and slide onto a toothpick, repeating this until they are filled up & serve!

It's so quick and easy, as it probably only took me about 15 minutes to put together. This is good to know for all of those last minute hostesses that like to pull off something grand at the last minute! ;) I can see people having various dips for this or just eating plain - either way they are simple for your guests to pick up and enjoy! 

All of the items for my celebration I found on latest trip to Walmart and they have all you need for your holiday entertaining this season. Also make sure to visit the Simple Entertaining Hub here to see more entertaining ideas and when they are scheduling wine tastings and demos in a store near you. I would love to hear what simple ways you use to entertain for the holidays? Do you have a favorite holiday food to serve? Hopefully you will give these a try! Please let me know below . . .

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