Tapas party: celebrate the year-end holidays with an easy menu of dazzling appetizers

NOW THAT THE HOLIDAY SEASON is here and party-giving has swelled to a fever pitch, hosting a tapas (Spanish appetizers) party might just be the answer to your entertaining needs. It accommodates the most guests with the least amount of effort, and it can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. The food can be prepared in advance and for relatively little expense, and the informal format will leave you with enough free time to enjoy mixing and mingling. What more could a host ask?

If you're planning to pass trays of food, our stuffed mushrooms and roasted sweet peppers are perfect for a stand-up crowd. The marinated olives and spicy potatoes should be served with small plates and forks. The food can also be stationed at strategic points around the room to give guests a reason to circulate. And seasonal garnishes--small wreaths fashioned from twigs of rosemary, shimmery gold ribbon, red rose petals--enhance the beauty of a holiday appetizer tray and buoy spirits.

So send out the invitations, and get set for a hassle-free holiday party full of great food and good cheer.