Preparing a party can be daunting when planning everything from hors d’oeuvres to desserts. Thankfully, most of the dishes on this list are best served at room temperature, so you can stick them into the picnic basket in advance and get them out again when your guests arrive with no worries! As a bonus, most recipes can be prepared in advance and spread out on a platter when it is time to serve. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Green Tomato Broccoli Slaw
A tangy, healthy green tomato and broccoli combo taste even better than the stuff you buy in a jar. Slice the tomatoes into thin strips, then match them with broccoli for texture and color. Mix up the coleslaw mix right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp; this is an intriguing way to use up odds and ends in your refrigerator! The dressing can be adjusted to your tastes by adding freshly squeezed lemon, lime juice, or pepper sauce.
Hummus and Veggie Platter
It is one of the best party platters in Singapore with a Middle Eastern flair! Make hummus (chickpeas and garlic) with leftover roasted peppers, carrots, or beets in the refrigerator. Then assemble a platter by layering it with romaine lettuce and cucumber slices. Croutons make great accents for the plate, too.
Pizza Snacks
A fun, easy, and kid-friendly way to enjoy pizza without all the work! Buy a pre-baked pizza crust from your local grocery store. Slice the crust into wedges and top with creamy hummus. Add your favorite veggie toppings for added nutrients. Serve these in individual bowls—they are perfect for parties!
Veggie Kabobs
Fresh veggies on a stick! Turn leftover steamed veggies into a fun and festive appetizer. Veggies like zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, and asparagus work well for this. Fresh basil leaves make for a tasty accent to kabobs. Serve these with ranch or tzatziki dipping sauces in little paper cups.
Roasted Veggie Pinwheels
Grilled Cheese
These grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to make and are the perfect snack for the grilling season. They’re also an excellent choice for a kid’s outdoor party. It’s fun to serve grilled cheese because you can make it into different shapes—a star, an oval, or a cross. Top with celery sticks and serve with applesauce.
Egg Salad Tacos
This is an easy, fun recipe for a summer party. It’s great for potluck dinners and is a favorite at many kids’ birthday parties. You can customize the menu by using your favorite fillings for the tortillas. Try ham and egg, ham and cheese, or tuna salad in soft flour tortillas to make a delicious sandwich. For a nice change of pace, try this recipe on grilled turkey or chicken breast instead of beefsteak “eggs.” For vegetarians, you can substitute tofu in place of the beefsteaks! Serve with colored chips or fruit slices.
Condiments
The key to successful presentation is versatility. Make your own jars of marinara, pesto, Alfredo sauce and more that everyone can take home and enjoy for weeks afterward. Dress up store-bought jars of these condiments with fresh herb leaves and assorted spices such as chili powder or cumin seed for an easy twist on traditional sauces.
Pastries
Make a variety of simple sweet or savory pastries in advance and store them in the fridge. Caramelized onions, melted cheese, roasted eggplant or even sautéed mushrooms are just a few low-key delicious fillings that will impress guests.
Salads
Layer ingredients for flavorful salads into large serving bowls and arrange them on your buffet table for guests to help themselves. Chopped vegetables such as broccoli, carrots (shredded), cauliflower, tomatoes and bell peppers will feel especially luxurious if you add sliced hard-boiled eggs or a simple salad dressing made with some of your marinara sauce.
If you want to make sure the party is festive, head over to your local grocery store or farmer’s market for fresh ingredients. If you have kids in tow, grab them a coloring mat and some crayons; they will love helping in the kitchen! And if your guests will be savoring their food outside on the patio, use disposable platters for convenience.
