Make-Ahead Cocktail Party Recipes

Get these savory little egg-based pastries done ahead of time and freeze until the day of the party. The dough comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped when you start.

Recipe: Lemon-Parsley Gougères

White beans stand in for chickpeas in this herbed reinterpretation of the classic Middle Eastern dip. In less than 20 minutes, this creamy dip will be ready for the appetizer table.

Recipe: White Bean Hummus

A dazzling main event deserves an equally appealing, well-crafted hors d'oeuvre. These salty, smoky morsels composed of bacon, pistachios, and dried fruit are guaranteed to whet appetites, not ruin them.

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Make all three flavored cheese balls or prepare just one or two, adjusting the ingredients accordingly. You can prepare these beauties up to three days ahead or up to a month, if frozen.

Recipe: Cheese Balls Three Ways

Let guests help themselves to an artfully arranged platter of glossy, pink smoked salmon, toasts, and condiments. Once you've stirred together the goat cheese and dill, your work is almost done.

Recipe: Smoked Salmon with Herbed Goat Cheese and Toast

Punch is an easy way to go for groups, but it's fun to provide a variety of options for your guests. Prepare a couple of mixers the day before and get your punch ready the day of.

Recipes:

Blood-Orange Punch (pictured)

Green Apple Martini

Apricot-Ginger Fizz Mixer

Cranberry Cocktail Mixer