Housewarming Party Food

Your guests know that you just moved and will probably be happy to contribute to the party. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to host a get together is by going potluck. But, that doesn't have to mean the same old sea of crusty-topped casserole dishes on a buffet table.Ask everyone to bring a large platter of food "antipasto style" with a variety of small bites and flavors similar to the delicious ideas below.

Your guests can easily put these unique one-dish presentations together by purchasing ready-made items, cutting them into bite-size pieces, and arranging them on a large platter. And if someone wants to contribute the classic deli platter, that's fine too!

Place a platter in each room of the house along with a stack of cocktail napkins, plastic forks, and stylish paper plates.

• Smoked Salmon Platter: Lox cut into 1-inch pieces, halved mini bagels, ramekin of cream cheese, chopped red onions, capers, and lemon wedges.

• Fresh Mozzarella and Toppings Platter: Bocconcini and toasted baguette slices with ramekins of toppings like tapenade, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped caper berries.

• Artisinal Cheese with Dried Fruit and Nuts Platter: A selection of no less than 3 cheeses with water crackers accompanied by items like dried figs, apricots, shelled pistachios and almonds.

• Hummus Selection and Pita Triangles Platter: Small ramekins of hummus or bean dips such as those in the article Hummus Recipe Makeovers along with pita bread cut into triangles.

• Falafel Platter: Falafel patties, pita triangles, chopped tomato and cucumber salad, ramekins of hummus, tabouleh, and tahini.

• Slider Platter: Mini burgers with standard sides of lettuce, onion, and tomatoes along with ramekins of ketchup and mustard.

• Spanish Platter: Serrano ham and chorizo sausage cut into small pieces, Marcona almonds, quince paste, and stuffed Spanish olives.

• Antipasto Platter: Italian meats and cheese cut into small pieces, toasted baguette slices, olives, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and anchovies!

• Miniature Dessert Platter: brownie bites, profiteroles, chocolate truffles, mini muffins or cupcakes.