Throw A House Warming

Fondue
Greet your guests by handing out different skewers. Also have on hand plates with dividers (to keep sauses separate). Pesto and alfredo sauces go great with shrimp, crab meat and chicken for a main course. Califlower, mushrooms, olives, broccoli and carrots will dip in ranch dressing or cheese. Remember a dessert of chocolate and whipped cream for diving into with strawberries, pineapple chunks, or melon.

Fiesta
Start with flour tortillas, taco shells, and salad shells. The shredded beef or chicken, and ground turkey should be seasoned, but not too spicy, let the guests add their own salsas. Beans should be a 3 varieties: Refried, pinto, and black beans. Lettuce, black olives, onions, green peppers, and jalapenos for the next layer. Shread some cheddar jack cheese. Always provide red and green chile salsas in both mild and hot. This would be a good place to set the bowl of chips so guests can dip into each for a salsa before committing to a flavor.

Holidays aren't the only time for festivities. A house warming is a great opportunity to bring together friends and family. A theme is a must for even more fun. A few simple decorations with lights and music to set the mood give your guests memories, and hope of being invited to your next get together. Another popular trend is handing out instant cameras for everyone to pass around and take their own version of the event. Here are a few ideas to give your creativity a jump-start:

Personal Pizza
Send invitations shaped like pizzas. Try a pesto or alfredo sauce, in addition to the usual red sauce. Include shrimp, crab meat, chicken, pepperoni, ham, sausage, and ground beef (or turkey) for the meat group. Mushrooms, black olives, pineapple, onions, green peppers, or artichoke hearts for the veggie group. You can add sharp cheddar cheese to give a zest, too. If you know what your guests' favorite toppings are, of course you'll have them on hand if possible. 6 to 8 pizzas can be heated in most ovens in about 10 minutes.

Remember, line up all the ingredients on a circular table so guests can choose as they go around. Label the containers, or on the table and include extra information for spicy, low cal, etc. Make sure to pre-cook anything you can. Borrow an extra microwave from a friend, and have your oven preset for warming dishes. Of course, if you know of your guests' favorite treats that go with your theme, your party will be a bigger success if you include them as well.