Dim Sum, small pot stickers and sushi are very popular in NY area.

dcarch

Um, I have to make this myself. You know --me? -- the non-cook?

Hummus & veggies and / or pita chips?

Ooo, yeah. I can buy those at TJs. Love their roasted tomato and basil hummus.

Next?

We're putting out light munchies for our friends - veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, hummus. I don't want anyone filling themselves before the monster meal.

You could go very healthy with edamame, kale chips, both easy to make and not too filling.

Cheryl

TJ pot stickers, pretty good.

dcarch

An endive layered appy would be good. I recently saved a recipe from another site that had Gorgonzola, candied pecans, etc. it was beautiful and required no cooking, just assembly. It's on my other computer though but I could get it later.

I wouldn't do anything that requires the use of the stove/kitchen because you can assume that it will be filled with dinner preparations.

How about a caprese appetizer like these? Mozzarella is light, cherry tomatoes aren't too bad even now and TJ"s always has fresh basil.

{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Caprese skewers

Marinated Artichokes and Ham bites

I jar or can of artichokes, quartered (not the marinated ones)*
Good seasons Italian dressing mixed according to directions
1 pkg. boiled ham

Marinate artichokes in good seasons Italian dressing several hours or over night
Wrap with a strip of the ham and secure with toothpick
Broil until hot.

*You can use the marinated artichokes but I think they're too oily and would rather marinate them myself.

Ham roll ups.

Spread sliced boiled ham with cream cheese mixed with horseradish, place a green onion strip on top and roll up tightly. Slice in bite-sized pieces.

Peanut butter on a Ritz? Nah, maybe not. I'm drawing a blank.

The Caprese Skewers look perfect for Christmas -- red and green. The Marinated Artichokes would be a hit, I am sure, but I know we are having ham and cheeses sandwiches for lunch. We eat T-day dinner at regular dinner time. Peanut butter on Ritz is right up my alley!

I am about to pull myself together and go to TJ's, hopefully before the big crowds.

Cream cheese on a triscuit with a dried cranberry or 2 on top.

I'm generally not a fan of cute, but I love these! Cream cheese, smoked salmon, grape tomato, olive.

Adorbs!

How about something on endive? Blue cheese mixed with cream cheese topped with a toasted pecan is one thought.

Here are other ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Belgian Endive Appetizer Recipes

Eileen, I have this one marked for next years appetizer.
Hopefully it will be good.

Easy, Healthy Appetizers: Belgian Endive

This is a fairly simple recipe to make; it's one of those relatively healthy recipes too! Makes 70-80 pieces (two large platters), to serve 25-50, depending on how much food there is.

Ingredients:

One 8-oz. package cream cheese
8 oz. Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
2 c. pecans, chopped
1/4 c. butter
1 1/4 lb. or so (about 10 small endives)
1-2 clusters of red grapes, washed and cut into smaller clumps
Optional: Honey (preferably in a squeezable bear)

Let cheeses sit out to get to room temperature. Add to mixer and beat on high for several minutes until smooth: > One 8-oz. package cream cheese > 8 oz. Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola

Meanwhile, prepare pecans. First, mix together: > 1/2 c. sugar > 1 tsp. chili powder

In skillet, on medium heat, slowly brown until sugar's melted and nuts are golden, stirring constantly: > 2 c. pecans, chopped > 1/4 c. butter > the sugar mixed w/spice

Turn the caramelized nuts out onto wax paper, spreading to avoid clumping. Let cool.

Prepare the endive. Use: > 1 1/4 lb. or so (about 10 small endives)

Cut the ends off endives, separating leaves. Spread each leaf with the cream cheese/ blue cheese mix, arranging on platter as you go.

Garnish the leaves spread with cheese with: > The caramelized pecans

Optional: Top off that with a light drizzle of: > Honey (preferably in a squeezable bear)

Warm the honey slightly if it's too thick. I actually forgot the honey last time, and it was still excellent. The sweetness of the nuts (and honey) counters the slight bitterness of the endive perfectly.To serve, you can garnish with: > 1-2 clusters of red grapes, washed and cut into smaller clumps

The platter looks elegant, and tastes great.
From Jennifer Cote