NWR: PLEASE HELP!!! 1st Timer here!

I need help! I know this may sound stupid but we just got our first apartment and we are having friends over for a get together and to show them the new place.

We are having a bbq, so I know the food we are getting for that but I dont know what appetizers to get. I mean I know chips but I dont have time to go cook for hours bc it is friday night about an 1 or 2 after work.

SIDEBAR: My friends are all great hosts and all make things so I want to make a good impression, I guess you could say. I want them to be like oh she is good at doing a party or something like that..

Please help!! What should I make or get!!

TIA!!!!!!

cheese and crackers
veggie tray with dip

You can always go to your local Italian deli and get some antipasti and put it out nicely. This will not only save you time, but will look great.

Also, try doing stuff you can prepare ahead of time and just either heat up or put out when you get home.

Something really nice and easy and actually tastes better the next day is orzo with shrimp.

assorted olives from the salad bar at the supermarket

some homemade bruschetta (chop up some tomoatoes add a little red onion, salt, pepper and olive oil. get some nice italian bread slices a little toasty.....

some mozzarella balls to go with it.

SO simple and so yummy!

YESSS thanks guys!!

I have a great italian deli I just found near the apartment!! Thats where I am going!

You girls are awesome!!

I feel better now!

Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Fresh Fruit Plater

How about asking a few people to bring an appetizer, with recipe? It is your first time, and people usually love to share.

Some pepperoni with the cheese and crackers is usually a pleaser. Tortilla chips w. salsa, chips & dip. Maybe a relish tray with carrot sticks, celery, olives... It's summer, you want light things, not a lot of greasy fried stuff before a BBQ of heavy food. Maybe even a fruit tray with thinly sliced melon, pineapple chunks... Does your budget allow for some cold cooked shrimp with cocktail sauce?

Most of these can be done the night before and covered with plastic wrap in the fridge.

Sometimes less is more, it won't look like you're trying too hard!

Have fun!

Here are some things I like when low on time:

marinated mozzerella balls (I buy them in the deli, all done)
chilled shrimp and cocktail sauce
cut up veggies with dip (you can buy them pre cut to save time)

ugly dip - it's ugly but easy and good!!!
get a small casserole dish and spread an 8oz brick of cream cheese the bottom, dump a can of hormel chilli (with or without beans) on top, top that with cheddar or mexican shredded cheese and toss it in the over at 350 until bubbly, you could turn on thr broiler for a minute or two to brown the top if you like. Serve it with totilla chips :)