Friday Night Party

After a long work week, you deserve to relax. Why not make a night of it with your friends, neighbors or colleagues — and some fresh entertaining ideas? Plan ahead for a large party, or call up a few friends and throw together a quick after-work gathering. Your Friday night just got more exciting!

Party planning: Short-term or long-range?
Foodie must-haves: Marvelous munchies and a Friday night feast
Drinks and Desserts

Party planning: Short-term or long-range?

To plan your party properly, ask yourself these three questions:

How many guests can I host comfortably?
Who should I invite?
How much advance planning time do I need?

Let your answers guide you to the right appetizer, food, drink and party styles.

Foodie must-haves: Marvelous munchies and a Friday night feast

Appetizers make or break a post-work gathering. If your crowd is casual head to Giant Eagle^® and stock up on home-style appetizers that satisfy. Try these favorites:

Assorted Giant Eagle^® salsa served with white-corn tortilla chips
Farmers Market^® fruit or vegetable tray
Italian pasta salad or vermicelli salad
Tuna salad or chicken salad served on whole-wheat crackers or toast points
Your favorite sandwich ring or deli tray

However, if you're planning a more elegant party, or you're hosting to impress consider a catering-style menu. These ideas will get you started:

Olive or antipasti tray
Delectable homemade bruschetta
Paninis cut into elegant rectangles and arranged with toothpicks
Assorted fine cheeses served with specialty bread or baguettes
St. Andre brie or Market District^® brie served with assorted gourmet crackers and seasonal berries
Lobster tails

If you plan to host for three or more hours, consider offering guests dinner. Grilled or broiled meats suit a Friday night party perfectly. A few pointers:

For casual crowds, think hearty. Hamburgers, hot dogs and spare ribs are good menu options.
Salmon, shrimp and scallops suit an elegant gathering perfectly.
Assorted kabobs, including vegetable, beef, chicken, salmon, and shrimp kabobs — and especially Asian- and Hawaiian-inspired combinations — suit either type of gathering. If you don't want to cook all evening, kabobs also make perfect meals, as guests can lend you a hand.

Drinks and Desserts

Whether you're planning for a big crowd or a small group of co-workers, for dinner or just hors d'oeuvres, drinks and dessert add splashes of fun to your Friday night. Follow these tips for a stress-free spread:

Estimate on two drinks for each guest. Whether you're showcasing lemonade, Sangria, a favorite punch recipe, or simply soda, offer guests enough beverages to satisfy.
Chilled sparking water or seltzer garnished with lemon or lime always adds an elegant touch.
Keep dessert simple. Fresh fruit or assorted cookie trays keep you out of the hot kitchen and give you more time to mingle with your guests.
Don't forget fun! A themed cake, elegant torte or favorite cereal-based dessert add intrigue to your party.
Make clean-up easy. Stock up on disposable drinkware, dessert plates and utensils at your local Giant Eagle^®.

With a few hours' notice, or a few weeks' time, you can throw a Friday night party to remember. Kick-start your weekend with fun, friends and a little help from the Giant Eagle^® kitchen.