The invitations are out and your party is just around the corner. It’s that time again to host your annual holiday party (or your first), so what’s on the menu?

Planning the perfect party for family and friends takes time and effort. But in the end when everyone is happy and doesn’t want to go home, you’ll know that it was all worth it.

Entertaining over the holidays is so much fun. From the music, decorations, guests, food and wine, there’s no better time to bring everyone together for hours of laughter and cheer.

So before the big day arrives, be sure to pull out your checklist to make sure you have everything covered. Need to know how to plan your party, be sure to check out the tips provided by Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Wilbert Jones.

Plan to serve wine and champagne? Maria Hunt has six great sips that are delicious in her article for The Pairing. She also shared two great cocktails from her book The Bubbly Bar in the Chef’s Corner.

But first, if you’re wondering what to serve, we have 10 fingerlicious foods that will be party pleasers during the holidays and even beyond. They are all easy to make and full of flavor and taste. They’re on our party menu this year and I think you’ll find a few to add to yours.

Tiny Twice-Baked Potatoes

Because you are not serving a full meal, these golden favorites are perfect for satisfying any party appetite. The fun part is that you can be creative and put your own twist to the recipe to truly make it your own. Change the bacon to diced steak or just add all vegetables. What ever you do, you can’t go wrong. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Chicken Satés with Spicy Peanut Sauce

This finger food is great any time of the year and a tasty favorite for any party. The recipe is quick and serving on skewers makes it easy for your guests to enjoy. Again adapt the recipe to fit your own palette by perhaps adding pineapple. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Spicy Spanish Olives

Just as popular as nuts at parties, olives take it up a notch. If your guests are olive lovers, then they won’t be able to keep their toothpicks out of this bowl. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Lime Marinated Chicken Wings with Avocado Dip

For this party, do something different with your wings. If you love lime and avocado, then you’ll be a fan of this party favorite. You may have to play around a little to get the right flavor you want, but a little effort will be worth it. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

This is one of my favorites to make for parties. You can be creative with the type of sauce you add as well as the other ingredients. I like spicy foods so this recipe is right up my alley. If you don’t want to make the meatballs from scratch, you can always purchase from the store and make the sauce and still have the spicy flavor. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Olive and Garlic Soft Cheese Spread with Whole-Grain Baquette

Keep that spinach dip on the store shelves and try this wonderful cheese spread that your guests will surely love. Both the olives and garlic give it a wonderful flavor. The best part is that you can serve it on the baguette, pita chips, sourdough or with celery. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese

If your guests love your mac and cheese, then they are going to love this. Mix your flavor with this recipe and you have an instant winner. Turn it into a finger food by serving in a mini cup or small ramekin. You can even place a spoonful in cupcake cups, garnish with a little bacon and serve on a platter. This way guests still get a nice taste although they are not getting a full meal. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Sautéed Shrimp Cocktail
There are so many ways you can prepare and serve shrimp but the herbs and spices used by Giada De Laurentiis adds a whole new flavor. Quick to cook and a party staple to serve, you probably won’t be able to keep the dish full once guests start to enjoy. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Each year I am invited to a wine and chocolate holiday party. In the past, I have always come with a nice dessert wine but I may switch it up this year. You just can’t go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries. And because they are so easy to make, you will have a whole plate full in no time. Too bad they will go as fast as you make them. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Peppermint Fudge

If you are tired of all the chocolate, then time to switch gears and try this wonderful morsel of vanilla and mint. Fresh and delicious, you’ll have to tear yourself away from these little treats. Be sure to save some for your guests. View the full recipe in the Chef’s Corner

Whether you try a recipe or two from above or decide to do a little variation of one of your own, the key is to be creative. Holiday parties are meant to be fun, not stressful. If you can, try recipes ahead of time so you can make sure you will be happy serving them to your guests.

But most importantly, don’t over do it. After all, the most important thing is that everyone is together. The food is simply another expression of friendship and love.