10 Tips for Last-Minute Party Planning

Raid the pantry. If you've got sour cream and mayo in the fridge, canned clams or even tuna, you have what you need to whip up a super-fast dip. All that's left to do is buy chips or swing by your grocer's salad bar to get crudités for dipping.

Dress up your dip. When it comes to what you can add to a basic dip, the sky's the limit. Creamy, strong-flavored cheeses — like blue cheese — work extremely well with your standard sour cream and mayo. And in a pinch, use chopped frozen spinach, jarred artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.

Think basic. A wedge of cheese with some fruit jam on the side makes a great appetizer, especially if you can pick up some crackers to go with it.

Keep your freezer stocked. Spiced nuts are quick and easy to whip up, and they last for months in the freezer. Make them in advance so they're handy when guests drop by.