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Win our Party Picks Basket
| Meet the Blogger | More Posts by Jennifer Cheng
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER MEL FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CA. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS!
I think Garth and Wayne (of Wayne’s World) said it best with their signature catchphrase: “Party time, excellent!!!” Despite the seasonal heat (or maybe because of it!) there are always plenty to of reasons to throw a summer party. Are you hosting a pool party? A luau? Perhaps a jazzy twinkle-lit summer soirée or a raucous block party? Whether the occasion you’re celebrating is big or small, you’re sure to throw a fabulous fête with some of our favorite party picks!
Enter a comment on this post by August 9th telling us about the snacks you like to have at parties and you’ll be entered in our Party Picks Basket giveaway. One winner will be selected at random to receive our Party Picks Basket, a $100 value, plus a $50 gift card for you to grab wine, ice cream or cheese and fruit for an easy party-pleasing tray.
Here’s what you’ll find in the basket:
- 365 Everyday Value® Organic Balsamic Vinegar
- Marcona Almonds
- Raincoast Crisps (Rosemary Raisin Pecan Crackers)
- Water Wheel Fine Wafer Crackers
- Silver Star Tex-Mex Salsa (Flame Roasted Medium)
- Divina Pitted Kalamata Olives
- 365 Everyday Value® Organic Jumbo Green Olives
- Vineyard Pantry Cabernet Roasted Garlic Mustard
- 365 Everyday Value® Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cold Pressed
- 4 Piece Cheese Knife Set
- Pretzel Crisps Classic
- Back to Nature Tuscan Herb Roasted Nut Mix
- Texas Mesquite Cutting Board
1,256 Comments
Comments
I make amazing dip! One part hummus, one part salsa and plenty of cubes of avocado. It is a SHOW STOPPER!!!
07/25/2011 9:08:30 PM CDT
I love dips and finger foods!!! Sometimes appetizers are the best foods. Spinach dip is my fav!
07/25/2011 9:08:41 PM CDT
My go to favorite for entertaining has always been stuffed mushrooms. They are so easy to prepare, there are a multitude of stuffing ideas and they are an attractive addition to any party table. I will be hosting a baby shower in the Fall and have already thought of some creative uses for Whole Foods Mushrooms and other "goodies."
07/25/2011 9:09:12 PM CDT
THE best appetizer - Almond stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. I've taken this to numerous parties and not ONCE has there been any left overs! They are salty, sweet and crunchy and delicate enough for ladies but man they guys devour them (can't go wrong with bacon!)
07/25/2011 9:09:29 PM CDT
Tortilla chips and bean dip!
Also, fresh watermelon always helps a summer party.
07/25/2011 9:09:41 PM CDT
Hubby and I have 'excellent party time' every Saturday night in the form of HAPPY HOUR! I usually keep it simple, cheese nuts olives, bread and of course wine - red only!
07/25/2011 9:09:59 PM CDT
My favorite party stand bys are a cold salad of sorts (such as the Summer Barley Salad) and homemade dips and whole wheat crackers...also homemade. A party is pure awesomeness when the food is made from scratch with love! :)
07/25/2011 9:10:10 PM CDT
pita chips and hummus is always a great go to app if you're celebrating with like-minded eaters. as far as something more adventurous goes, i always enjoy smoked salmon on ANYTHING.
07/25/2011 9:11:20 PM CDT
I used to always feel like a loser at parties in college... everyone was focused on the drinks, and I was looking for the food! My favorites are always fancy cubed cheeses, tortilla chips and salsa, and hummous on ANYTHING.
07/25/2011 9:11:35 PM CDT
We make homemade ice cream. Mmmm! Salted Butter Caramel, Root Beer Float, Honey Lavender, etc. But these would make a delight accompaniment to our dessert! Thanks for the opportunity!
07/25/2011 9:12:59 PM CDT
I like cheeses, chips, salsa + dips.
07/25/2011 9:13:25 PM CDT
Pita chips and bean dip with salsa!!!
07/25/2011 9:13:36 PM CDT
I want a Whole Foods in Corona at Dos Lagos!!!!! Pretty please!! Hubby doesn't like me driving all the way to The District....but I just gotta do what I gotta do for the best fish, produce, oh heck just everything!! Love Whole Foods market!! :D
07/25/2011 9:14:06 PM CDT
Mushroom caps with cracker/cheese filling. Yum
07/25/2011 9:14:08 PM CDT
I am usually a big fan of an easy cheese and hummus platter but if i am feeling a bit spicy - bacon and cheese filled broiled jalapenos are a party fave!
07/25/2011 9:14:09 PM CDT
For parties, I love making my own hummus and guacamole to serve with baked pita chips. And I always try to do a cheese plate with brie, gouda, and comte. Those are my go-to snacks for get-togethers!
07/25/2011 9:14:28 PM CDT
Depending on the party occassion, I like to have a variety of snacks. TV night may call for a cheese tray/cracker crisps with lots of green olives or bruchetta with buttered toast. Football parties require nachos, taco dip, chili/7 layer bean dip. Family potluck includes hummus and pita wedges; mozzarella and tomatoes.
07/25/2011 9:15:21 PM CDT
In the summer I love serving fresh fruit to our guests. It's healthy and easy to make! Strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, kiwi; It's a family favorite!
07/25/2011 9:16:21 PM CDT
I love browsing the cheese section for a creamy wheel of brie (bake to soften with brown sugar and pecans, serve with toasted french stick) or shavings of imported pecorino or parmesan, served with sugared walnuts or honey for dipping and sliced chorizo
07/25/2011 9:16:26 PM CDT
For summer gatherings, you need a combination of both ying and yang for guests. My favorite treat for the casual attendee is tortilla chips with strawberry-infused salsa. It gives a fruity kick to an already popular dish! Another crowd-pleaser is for someone who possesses a sweet tooth... strawberry shortcake with lightly whipped cream. It's the perfect lightweight snack for any summer get-together!
07/25/2011 9:17:43 PM CDT
I love having shrimp cocktail! Its easy, delicious and healthy!!
07/25/2011 9:18:34 PM CDT
My go to snacks are pickle dip, fruit slices with a cool yogurt dip. Also cheese and wine (wine is great for snacking ;-) especially a nice Moscato! And of course you have to have cupcakes. Cupcakes are an essential food group!!!
07/25/2011 9:19:12 PM CDT
I love making guacomole for hot weather parties and spinach dips for warm weather.
07/25/2011 9:21:07 PM CDT
love me some marcona almonds!
07/25/2011 9:21:41 PM CDT
Ooh, the balsamic vinegar would be perfect for my favorite summer desert. Vanilla ice cream with strawberries and balsamic. The sweet/salty/savory flavor is out if this world!
07/25/2011 9:22:41 PM CDT