Yesterday, on a gray, drizzly February Sunday—Oh, how Mainers hate drizzle in the winter—we had friends over for an afternoon of food and good conversation. The food was simple—snacks and pizza—which meant we could chat with our guests without too much fussing in the kitchen.
Before the Super Bowl, on Facebook , I had discovered an idea for serving snacks. I was so taken with the way the food looked that I decided to try it for this gathering. Really, the idea couldn’t be more simple—array an assortment of snacks on a tray—and here is what I did.
To a combination of crackers, cheese, and crunchy snacks, I added homemade clam dip (upper right-hand corner) and chocolate-covered peanuts that Clif and I had dipped ourselves. It was a fun way of serving appetizers, and I plan on doing this for future gatherings.
Our friends also brought treats to share, and Dawna used a nifty basket to carry hers. Sherlock always loves anything he can climb into, and it didn’t take him long to investigate the empty basket.
After appetizers, we had Clif’s pizza.
And ice cream and pie for dessert. (Alas, I didn’t get a picture.)
It was one of those happy gatherings where six like-minded people ate and talked past dusk right into the night. When our friends were ready to go, I looked at my watch and could hardly believe what I saw—it was 9:45 p.m.
Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
Notes From the Hinterland 
Food and friends, the best combination. Looks yummy!
Thanks, Eliza.
That looks like a finest of gatherings Laurie and I love the idea of presenting snacks on a tray like this :o) xxx
Thanks, Xenia.
The food looks delicious and so well presented, Glad you and your friends had such a good time.
Thanks, Susan!
Good food and good friends … That’s a lovely combination.
It certainly is! A finest kind of way to spend a Sunday.
Good looking food.
Many thanks!
Loved your title – I clicked on your post fully expecting a cute kitty in a basket – and I wasn’t disappointed. That appetizer tray is beautiful! What a a great idea!
Thanks, Jodie! I will be using the appetizer tray for other gatherings.
Sounds like a great Superbowl party. The snacks look great, especially the chocolate peanuts.
Those chocolate peanuts were pretty good, if I do say so myself. I even sent the guests home with their own little packages of chocolate peanuts.
Glad you made the best of it. Richard loved your comment on his picture – he also enjoyed the post 🙂
Wonderful picture of him! Looking forward to seeing the finished results.
Cats in baskets, cats in boxes, cats in bags . . . silly critters. Sherlock is a handsome boyo!
Handsome but quite the pest. 😉
You always do a nice job of making everything festive and I appreciate your sharing this idea. Franco-American hospitality at its finest!
Aww, thanks Beth!
This is a lovely idea! It always seems so silly to be wasting time in the kitchen that could be better spent chatting with friends!
So true!
Both snacks and cat looking good! 🙂
Thanks so much!