39 Recipes to Make for Your 1970s Cocktail Party

From the Recipe Creator: I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family. —Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I found this cheese puffs recipe in one of my mother’s old cookbooks and updated the flavor by adding cayenne and mustard. Tasty and quick for this busy season, these tender, golden puffs go together in minutes and simply disappear at parties! —Jamie Wetter, Boscobel, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Living near the ocean, I have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster or any firm whitefish (such as halibut or even cod) would work equally as well. —Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I regularly have date night at home where we make a four-course meal. For appetizers, I like to keep things simple but dressed up. I’ve found that making a special appetizer helps transform the atmosphere into a fancy meal. We’ve grown to really cherish these long and luxurious evenings together in our living room. Fresh figs can be used in lieu of dates if that’s what you have on hand! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Among my friends I’m known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York

From the Recipe Creator: The secret ingredient in this sassy sauce is the grape jelly. It's a sweet contrast with the chili sauce. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: The flavors blend deliciously in this refreshing pineapple dip. It’s also terrific with an assortment of vegetables or your favorite fancy crackers. —Barb Meninga, Kalamazoo, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: These cute stacks really stand out in an appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —Judy Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s one delicious, extra-easy classic you’ll turn to again and again. I’ve been making this recipe since I started cooking, and that was a long time ago. —DeAnn Lokvam, Tijeras, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: When you say “holiday tradition” around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I’m expecting company or need to take food to someone’s home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good—even people who don’t like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite appetizer to serve party guests. The flavors in this colorful dish blend beautifully, and the shrimp are tender and tasty. —Carol Gawronski, Lake Wales, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Encourage guests to mingle by serving these cute little morsels. They’re transportable, mess-free and easy to eat in a few bites. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, water-packed tuna works well too. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Italian salad dressing easily flavors this simple snack. You can also omit the bread and serve the spread as a dip with cucumbers or other veggies. —Carol Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This strawberry daiquiri recipe is a standout with its herbal twist! I used to teach herb classes at our local technical college and everyone enjoyed my segment on herbal cocktails like this one. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Blend a can of crushed pineapple into these meatballs to create a taste-tempting treat. Best of all, the sweet and tangy glaze that coats this big batch of bite-sized snacks is a snap to prepare. —Karen Baker, Dover, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: When you’re in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: French bread cubes and apples are the perfect dippers for this classic fondue, made with white wine and Swiss and Gruyere cheeses. It’s a crowd pleaser. —Linda Vogel, Elgin, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: The concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I love lobster, so I created these gems. They are perfect appetizers for a cocktail party or family dinner. Top with chives or green onions for color. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: Talk about one easy dish that creates an amazing sweet and sour sauce! You can serve over rice for more of a dinner-like option, but I also like to offer them as an appetizer simply served with toothpicks. —Julie Schiefer, Nappanee, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Fans of the classic Reuben sandwich will go crazy for baked pastry spirals of corned beef, Swiss and sauerkraut. They're so easy to make, and bottled Thousand Island dressing makes the perfect dipping sauce. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: These tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Why reserve lemonade and strawberries for the summertime? They’re just as refreshing during the holiday season. Add two more ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing cocktail. —Silvia Garcia, New York, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Our party guests flock to this holiday gem of an appetizer—cherry-studded cream cheese served with graham or water crackers and pears. —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This bread is absolutely delicious. A friend of my mother’s took it to a party at work, and after one bite, Mom knew she had to have the recipe. With constant nagging, she eventually got it! Simple and fast, this mouthwatering loaf is a hit with everybody and at every kind of function. —Amy McIlvain, Wilmington, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel’s preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: There’s plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: This cheese ball will keep for several days in the refrigerator. It's delicious! I've found it's especially popular at a party or get-together.