There's something about the classic cocktail parties of the 50's and 60's that just has timeless appeal, and lately retro-style parties have been making a big comeback.
We are absolutely here for it, and one of the most cherished elements of those fabulous gatherings was always the food!
Here are 17 classic party dishes we really think are due for a comeback. From tangy dips, to pigs in a blanket, to fruit-and-fluff concoctions our grandmothers would have swooned over...these recipes are sure to do you proud at your next party!
1. Dill Pickle Dip with Cream Cheese
This dill pickle dip will take you right down memory lane! It's a classic party dip that's perfect for any retro snack spread.
Pair it with classic potato chips, or a chopped veggie tray for a sure hit.
Get the recipe here.
2. Classic Relish Tray
The old fashioned relish tray is always a winner at any gathering. Easier to make, and lighter than cheese platters or charcuterie boards, it's a perfect appetizer for pleasing any crowd.
The combination of colors and textures is what really makes this work as a perfect centerpiece for the party table!
Get the recipe here.
3. Chex Party Mix
Don't wait for an invitation, whip up your own giant batch of classic Chex party mix.
Modern guests will be as addicted as folks were in the 50's and 60's, when this classic party snack was a must-have favorite.
Get the recipe here.
4. Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts
That combination of sweet and spicy flavors is what really makes these cocktail nuts shine. Guests will love the flavorful crunch, and it's easy to make these more or less spicy, depending on your preference.
Make plenty, because once you start nibbling, it's hard to stop!
Get the recipe here.
5. Strawberry Fluff (with Jello and Pineapple)
A true retro favorite, this fluff salad with marshmallows includes fresh strawberries, canned pineapple and mandarin oranges.
This comes together quickly, and only needs an hour to chill, so you can even whip this together at the last minute!
Get the recipe here.
6. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
These whimsical little sandwiches are perfect party fare for any gathering, and our grandmothers would definitely have approved of that classic chicken salad filling!
A good thin-sliced bread is a must for these, and a fun way to add variety would be to make half of them on a nice seeded rye, for a mix of colors and flavors.
Get the recipe here.
7. Vintage 1950's Fruit Punch
Here's a classic fruit punch recipes comes right from the 1950s, and is a delicious strawberry and orange flavor.
This is definitely a taste from childhood, for anyone who remembers growing up with Kool-Aid based fruit punch!
Get the recipe here.
8. 1800's Devilled Eggs
Delicious little egg bites have been a staple party food for a long, long time, and this 1800's recipe for deviled eggs (Or "devilled" as they were called at the time.) is a real winner.
Pulled straight from an 1800's cookbook, these are just delightful. The tang of the vinegar, that hint of spice from the cayenne, the familiar warmth of the mustard…it all just works.
Get the recipe here.
9. Pigs in a Blanket
No retro party could possibly be complete without little pigs in a blanket! They're so easy to make, and disappear in a flash.
Serve them with your favorite sauces, for a familiar and comforting appetizer that everyone loves.
Get the recipe here.
10. Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This one goes next to the strawberry fluff on the dessert table, and it's another classic that's just a must-have.
Juicy chunks of fruit are tossed with crunchy nuts, marshmallows, and yogurt, for a playful dish that's sure to be gobbled up in no time.
Get the recipe here.
11. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
It's always nice to make sure there are plenty of light and refreshing options, along with the heavier dishes. These little smoked salmon cucumber bites fit the bill perfectly!
Quick and easy to make, they come together in just a few minutes. Do make plenty, because that cream cheese and salmon combo is absolutely addictive. Once you start nibbling on these, you won't want to stop!
12. No Bake Pineapple Pie
This easy No Bake Pineapple Pie is made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh pineapple, for a flavor profile that's solidly mid-century, in all our favorite ways.
Topped with whipped cream and pineapple rings, this sweet and tangy dessert is a perfect one for summer!
Get the recipe here.
13. No-Bake Frozen Raspberry Cheesecake Squares
These delicious and brightly-colored little dessert squares feature creamy no-bake raspberry cheesecake filling, on top of a graham cracker crust, topped with fresh raspberries.
They're a perfect no-bake dessert that's easy to whip up ahead of time, and keep in the freezer until it's time to set them on the table!
Get the recipe here.
14. Maple Caramel Sauce With Sliced Fruit
Caramel dipping sauce with sliced fruit is such a classic treat, and this flavorful maple version is a real favorite.
Made with simple ingredients including honey and maple syrup, no one would ever believe it's actually even paleo-friendly!
Get the recipe here.
15. No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
With a sweet and creamy peanut butter filling, and a delicious chocolate Oreo crust, everyone is going to want a slice of this classic party dessert!
We just love the way that filling is so smooth, without being too dense and heavy. This is definitely a recipe you'll want to make again and again!
Get the recipe here.
16. Maple Pecan Turtles
These delicious turtle candies are made even more special with the festive flavor of maple. No baking needed, and they're easier than you think!
Turtle candies are such a classic favorite, and being homemade makes them even more special!
Get the recipe here.
17. classic grasshopper drink
How about a retro dessert drink to finish off the spread? Here's one everybody just loves!
Grasshoppers are a creamy, pastel-colored, after-dinner drink made with heavy cream, crème de menthe and crème de cacao. Together, they create a mint chocolate-flavored drink that’s mint green in color, and memorably delicious!
Get the recipe here.
23 Classic Church Picnic Recipes Everyone Still Adores
There's nothing like a big church picnic--spending the day with all of your church friends and family, playing games, and eating all that wonderful food everybody brings!
From macaroni salads, to fruity fluffs, cheesy casseroles, and desserts galore, we've got recipes for them all here, in this divine list of time-honored dishes that are just perfect for that next big church picnic!
21 Bake Sale Favorites Nobody Can Resist
Bake sale goods need to check off a trifecta of requirements. They need to look amazing, be sturdy enough to transport, and most of all--be decadently delicious.
We asked some of our favorite food writers what they'd bring, if they were asked to donate baked goods for the big fundraiser, and this luscious list of recipes is the result.
Every option here is a winner, from classic snickerdoodles, to thick and squishy whoopie pies, to perfectly irresistible cupcakes.
Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
Comments
No Comments