I Need Some Ideas...

O.K. I love giving parties.  It's probably just because then I don't have to go to someone else's house and be social.  I used to do all sorts of appetizers---some time consuming and complicated and needing exotic ingredients and lots of planning.  Then I found that trying to do that with children could be a disaster so I moved to a downhome semi-potluck kind of thing where I would do a couple of appetizers with something hearty enough to also be a meal.....grilled chicken in warm weather....a sliced ham at the holidays, etc.  Of course I always make my friend Ann bring the sweets.  I can't compete with her.

Now I find that obsessing over the menu for months to be of great entertainment value to me.  No matter that I end up serving pretty much the menu I think of right away----I obsess and go through cookbooks and bother Ernie. I find this very enjoyable.

SO.

Our 20th Anniversary/Livingthehelloutofthepresent party has been moved up to late September...necessitating a different menu from the original November date.  Now I KNOW that's three months away...but remember obsession is a hobby for me. So what do you think?  I was thinking just appetizers this time---not a meal kind of thing. I like make-ahead---can't be fussing while people are here....

Give me some of your favorite appetizer ideas. 

I MEAN it....none of this no commenting crap....(well except for you Annette)....