How to Entertain on a Budget – Easy Party Appetizers

Entertaining on a budget does not mean that you need to skip the appetizers. There are inexpensive ways to offer an appetizer without going over your party budget. The main focus for this meal course is to keep it simple. Here are some ideas for easy party appetizers and a great recipe for Bloody Mary Soup appetizer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Cheese Tray
   
   Crackers can be expensive and are easily replaced with baguette slices. Use less expensive cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or Gouda and keep the chunks small.

2. Vegetable Tray
   
   This is a good way to add color to your serving table and create a satisfying appetizer.
   Cut up carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery and place on a round plate or tray. Mix up an inexpensive dip by using a 16 ounce carton of sour cream and add I dry package of Hidden Valley dip mix. Put the dip in a bowl, place it in the middle of the vegetable tray, and present and tantalizing yet inexpensive appetizer.

3. Bloody Mary Soup Appetizer
   
   Prepare this easy party appetizer the day before and serve it cold or prepare it and put it in a crock pot before the guests arrive. This appetizer calls for inexpensive ingredients and can include, or not include, the alcohol. This appetizer takes about 25 minute to prepare.
   
   1 can of vegetable or chicken broth
   1 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes
   1 celery stalk (diced)
   2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
   2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
   1/4 teaspoon salt
   1/2 cup vodka
   1/2 cup sour cream
   1 Tbsp. horseradish
   
   • To make the soup mixture combine the soup, tomatoes, diced celery, hot pepper sauce, and salt in large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for two minutes.
   • Pour the soup mixture into a blender or food processor and puree the soup mixture until it is smooth. Pour the smooth mixture back into the saucepan. Add Vodka and simmer for 2 more minutes.
   • Shortly before serving this soup appetizer combine the horseradish and sour cream and mix well.
   • To serve this soup appetizer pour the soup mixture into bowls, mugs, or tall glasses, top with a dollop of the horseradish, and a stick of celery.

Tips & Warnings

• When the money is tight, yet you want to have people over socially, there are ways to entertain on a budget. Start with these easy party appetizer ideas to get your party going.

Resources

• How to Find Money You Did Not Know You Had

[jjlffl]

on 8/9/2009 great article