"The tip comes from a YouTube short posted by the Barefoot Contessa herself. In the video, Garten shared, "When I have friends for dinner, the last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time making fussy hors d'oeuvres. So, I choose simple, no-cook things that I can serve with drinks." The celebrity chef then proceeds to list some of her go-to "favorites," including artisanal potato chips ("you know, store-bought is just fine")."
"Garten even serves them in a high-shine silver bowl for elevated presentation and easier snacking. She also offers salted cashews with an extra sprinkle of sea salt, and fresh, raw cherry tomatoes, all displayed in aesthetically-pleasing dishes. "Choose delicious things that you can serve as-is," the cook advised. "Present them in really pretty silver bowls, and everybody's going to have a really good time - including you.""
"In one memorable "Spongebob Squarepants" episode, a stressed-out Patrick Star is seen running around his house, preparing for a visit from his out-of-town parents. When Spongebob comments on his pal's frantic demeanor, Patrick sarcastically quips back, "We don't have any work to do! Life is just a big bowl of fancy assorted cashews!" Indeed, hosting a houseful of guests can bring on the tension like little else."
Opt for simple, no-cook hors d'oeuvres to reduce hosting stress and allow more time with guests. Choose ready-to-eat options that can be served as-is and pair with drinks. Serve items in attractive dishes—high-shine silver bowls elevate humble snacks and make them easier to share. Best examples include artisanal store-bought potato chips, salted cashews finished with extra sea salt, and fresh raw cherry tomatoes. Displaying a few well-chosen items creates an elegant pre-meal experience, stokes the appetite for the main course, and keeps the host relaxed and present.
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