Ideas so you can party at your party…

…rather than work at your party.

You’re on your own for cocktails, but here are a few of our favorite party foods that can be prepared ahead of time:

Farmstead Cheese Plate: Cheese is best at room temperature, so put together a plate ahead of time with a little flair like quince paste or Marcona almonds and crackers. If you want to add a little jazz to plain cheeses like chevre, sprinkle it with some finishing salts like truffle & salt or fiori & salt.

Sliders: Grill the patties ahead of time just until they’re rare, then set out all the makings… mini buns and various toppings. Quickly heat the patties before your guests arrive and let them build their own burgers. We have a great recipe for Kobe beef sliders with tarragon aioli and caramelized onions as well as one for Thai salmon sliders with mango salsa.

Wild Mushroom Bruschetta: The mushrooms can be prepared ahead of time and taste great at room temperature. You can either top the bruschetta or if you’re worried about it getting soggy, just serve the wild mushroom topping on the side and let your guests build their own. Here’s our wild mushroom bruschetta recipe.

Ravioli: There are all sorts of artisan ravioli varieties to choose from. The pasta can be cooked ahead of time and essentially becomes finger food with fun dipping sauces like pesto, tapenade, infused oils, browned butter or tomato sauce.

Sausage Skewers: Grill sausage and let it come to room temp. Cut each one into eight pieces and put together individual bite-size skewers with dried fruit (such as apricots) and spinach or arugula leaves. Our favorite combination is wild boar sausage with figs that have been poached in red wine and watercress. Or let your guests taste a variety of game sausages with our sausage sampler.

Last but not least, put out appetizer size biodegradable plates. That way you won’t be stuck in the kitchen washing dishes after your guests go home.

When your guests arrive, crank the tunes, pour yourself a cocktail and join the party!