Take Out

• Use take-out services such as your local pizza parlor that be happy to deliver as many pizzas as you need for your party. Choose different toppings on each pizza to give your guests choices. You may also have a choice in crust style such as thin or thick crust. Mix it up for additional choices. Another choice in take out is to use foot-long sub sandwiches. Many sub shops offer party subs at special prices and will arrange to deliver this food to you or you may go pick it up. Chicken wings with a variety of sauces are another crowd-pleaser. Even a bucket of chicken pieces or chicken nuggets can make a tasty meal. Consider fish nuggets or planks for a different twist. Use paper plates and plastic utensils for little or no clean-up.
  
  

Party Platters

• For casual parties, party platters of snack foods may be the way to go. Offer chips and dips with flavored dip (purchase dip at the grocery store) and offer an array of potato chip varieties including barbecue, tortillas, sour cream or plain. Slice up a block of cheddar cheese and put out a party platter of cheese and crackers to go along with the chip platters. Add pretzels, popcorn and cheese balls to the menu so that there is something for everyone.
  Shrimp cocktail platters afford a nice appetizer for casual parties. You can buy them already prepared at most grocery stores. Call ahead to order your platter; generally, the store will need at least 24 hours notice to prepare your platter. Ask the store about other seafood platters or ask what other party platters it offers.
  
  

Barbecue

• If you are having a backyard summertime party, consider grilling steaks, chops and of course, hamburgers and hot dogs. Ask your friends to bring dishes such as potato or macaroni salad. Alternatively, buy these side dishes at your local delicatessen or make them.
  
  

Dessert

• Do not forget dessert for your party. Bake a cake, pie or cookies. Visit your local bakery for dessert ideas such as fruit filled tarts, holiday-decorated cakes or ice cream cakes. Buy a gallon of ice cream to top the pie or cake off. Send your guests home on a full stomach and they will rave about your party.