I'm constantly evolving and fine tuning my entertaining style. Of course I love trying new recipes, hosting different groups of people and on occasion, even coming up with different themes for some of my get togethers. While the party presentation is certainly important, it's equally (if not more) important that I create a sound, efficient and effortless (in appearance), operational process for every gathering. As a hostess the last thing you ever want to do is spend the party running around and looking frazzled. Your guests have come over to spend time with you, so you need to make sure that you do just that.

In an effort to minimize the time I spend clearing a cocktail/hors d'oeuvre spread before serving dinner, I have developed an all-in-one hors d'oeuvre platter. This platter is made up of all of my favorite go-to cocktail party foods with the added benefit of only having to serve and clear one dish! I am really kicking myself that it's taken me so long to figure this out. Fab summer veggies, hummus, two different cheeses and even those tasty cocktail nuts can be served on one platter! Less time making trips to the kitchen to add and/or clear food means more time with your guests. Cocktail parties made even easier! What's not to love about that?!?

See below for full details on this All-in-One Hors D'oeuvre Platter.