Contributed by Info Guru Aurora LaJambre

Getting invited to a party is a thrill at any age.

Whether the host asks people to contribute to food and libations or not, it’s a good policy to never arrive empty handed. Save the noise makers for New Year’s – food and beverages will fuel any get together.

Here’s the low down on tasty things to bring to a party.

10. Finger dipping fun

Neat finger foods are best for parties because they don’t require plates and forks, so people can munch and mingle with ease. Deli meats and dips that go well together include cheese spread, crackers, hard sausage and chunky salsas. Layout the goods with some toothpicks and enjoy.

9. Wine

Bring a bottle of your favorite wine. If you don’t have a favorite, ask the seller to recommend a chilled white (Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc are usually light-bodied) or a red (Merlot, Cabernet or Pinot Noir are smooth and warming on cooler nights). People tend to try a little of everything, so there’s no wrong choice.

8. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a perfect cocktail food. Chop fresh tomatoes and mix them up with some minced garlic, olive oil, basil, a splash of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Pick up a few loaves of crusty Italian bread. Slice and toast the bread in the oven either at the party or before leaving. Spread the tomato mixture over the bread at the last minute. Add some mozzarella for a crowd-pleasing touch.

7. Cake

Cake is one of the less obvious, but much appreciated things to bring to a party. But why bring an ordinary sheet cake or grocery store layer cake. Come on, think outside of the (cake mix) box! Instead of the typical cake, opt for a giant cookie cake. It’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table…after all, who can resist cookies?

6. Bring on the chocolates

Set out a plate of gourmet chocolates and they will be feasted upon. Truffles, sweets filled with liquors and pralines simply make people happy. Many specialty chocolates and candies are sold in elegant packaging so all you have to do is open it up.

5. Killer coffee

Bring a bag of freshly ground organic coffee from Costa Rica or Peru to accompany dessert. Of all the things to bring to a party, coffee serves a few key functions. Most importantly, it sobers and wakes people up long before they hit the road. It’s also a calming way to wind down the evening while still enjoying conversation.

4. Non-alcoholic drink

Not everyone who goes to parties drinks alcohol, but that doesn’t mean they only enjoy tap water. Shake things up with some Shirley Temple fixings. This is a classic non-alcoholic glass of fun typically made with ginger ale or lemon soda and a few drops of grenadine, topped with a maraschino cherry.

3. Your sweet self

Props are also fun – Hawaiian leis and cheap boas – but if it’s not your party don’t hijack the atmosphere. The host invited YOU, so don’t sweat it if there’s no time to pick up a little something. Arrive with a smile and if you really want to contribute, offer to do some dishes at the end of the night.

2. Roasted nuts

Nuts are one drinking snack everyone loves. Bring an assortment of mixed nuts. At the shindig, spread the mix in a small skillet and slide it in the oven for about 15 minutes – odds are the oven will already be on, but if not put it on 350 degrees. Once roasted, toss them with a drizzle of maple syrup, oil, salt, paprika and a little chili pepper.

1. Plate the good stuff

You know what we’re talking about – cheese, of course. Bring a nice selection of different cheeses: hard, soft and a wild card. Lay them on a plate with the other food or save them for the dessert round.