Hellobee Boards

My go to warm app is sweet & sour meatballs. Easy to throw in crockpot and SO YUM.

However much you want to make, one part grape jelly (not jam!) to one part chili sauce. Let mix a bit then I add meatballs (frozen are fine..and easier imo!).

Trader joes has great frozen app options that you can make in the oven! Also, you could pick up some affordable wine and a case of beer, and I'd say your good! BYOB shouldn't offend people either.

Oh and here's our go-to recipe for something unique but easy and delicious

Prosciutto Palmiers

1 Sheet Puff pastry, thawed
2 t Dijon mustard
4 t (1T and 1t) honey
2.5 ounces sliced prosciutto
3 T grated parmesan
1 egg yolk beaten with 1T water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Roll pastry to a 6 x 14 inch rectangle. Trim uneven edges with knife. (You may have to 'glue' a few pieces together. It's all good.)

Combine mustard and honey and brush over pastry. Cover with proscuitto and sprinkle with 2T parmesan.

Tightly roll the long side of the pastry half way to the middle, and do the same with the other side to meet up in the middle of the pastry. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.

Brush the pastry with egg wash on both sides. Cut into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place slice on greased baking sheet. (I use parchment to make life easier.) Bake until crisp and golden, about ten minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle remaining parmesan over the palmiers. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

I highly suggest using freshly grated parmesan instead of the Kraft stuff. Trader Joe's has very well priced prosiutto, as well as parmesan, and they usually have puff pastry during the holidays. Keep an eye on the the bottom of the palmiers as they tend to brown faster because the sugar from the honey seeps to the bottom while cooking...if that makes sense. (If they are burning on the bottom before the top is golden, reduce your oven temp.)

Maybe just some beer?

Meatballs, I like taking deli meat and rolling them into crescent Rolls with cheese. Yummy and cheap!

@luckypenny: Here is another app idea- Brazilian cheese bread. Sounds exotic, but they are really easy to make!
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-po-de-queijo-brazilian-cheese-bread-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-176118

@luckypenny: make this slush for something fun!!!

http://www.chef-in-training.com/2011/05/slush/

People love goat cheese stuffed proscuitto wrapped dates! It's so easy, my 2.5 year old literally made them last year. Also little smokies wrapped with pillsbury crescent rolls.

I live in the Northeast and have never been to a party (even a kids bday party) where there wasn't at least beer available, so I think beer and and wine would be expected if you are hosting any sort of holiday party. If you don't want extras I would figure 2 beers per male and a bottle of wine for every 3 women. Have fun!

These baked brie bites were a MASSIVE hit both times ive made them.

http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/09/ile-de-france-cheese-baked-brie-bites.html