There are so many trends that are set for events and entertaining in 2012.  These can easily become  staple and conversation piece for your next party or cocktail hour.  Serving as a precursor as to what is to come with your full menu– you can feel free to experiment, go bold, build anticipation, incorporate your favorite staples and basically anything your heart (and stomach) desires.

Just like with fashion and music, the trends ebb and flow with popular demand. If you are looking to try something new and exciting, here are some great ideas!

Southern Foods are Still a Huge Hit:
It’s just something about Southern food that adds a special soulfulness to your menu.  Although, not the healthiest food– you can make some alternative selections in your ingredients and still keep the great flavors that you’ve come to love.

Baked Bacon Wrapped Green Beans with butter, brown sugar, and garlic mixture.

Stuffed New Potatoes

Go Mobile
If you are having a cocktail hour at your wedding or you want your guests to be able to move around your home, being stuck with cumbersome food can put an early damper on the mood.  But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to chips and dip.  Some of the flavors and textures that have become a favorite at your sit down meals are available on the go.

Grape and Bacon Goat Cheese Pops

Mini colorful soup shooters

Turkish salads in a tumbler

Clean and Healthy Food Choices Don’t Have to Be Boring:
As guests become more health conscious with their choices– either being vegan, vegetarian, on a raw diet or choosing to avoid fatty or fried foods, having fresh, clean alternatives doesn’t just mean a veggie tray.  You can get your gourmet on with your vegetable offerings.

Cucumber feta boats

French onion soup mushrooms

A great alternative to the veggie tray!

A PF Chang-esque interpretation of Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Comfort Foods are Still a Huge Hit:
One of the biggest fear of going to an event is wondering if you’ll like the food there. Offering a gourmet take on your favorite comfort foods are sure to be a hit.  Think of foods that you loved when you were a kid or ones that are you “go to” foods when you want to get in a good mood, scale them down and serve them up!

Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup

Delicious Mac and Cheese Bites

Ham and cheese sliders

Explore Different Cultures
Looking for something to exotic to incorporate into your menu or break the monotony, don’t be afraid to look to other cultures for inspiration.  They can at vibrancy of color, bursts of flavor and a great conversation piece.  Choose something you’ve had before and can gauge how it should taste– plus, you can share why it’s your favorite and if you’ve traveled to the native area.

Skewered cheese tortellini with pesto dip

Mini Tacos with Tequila

Asian Pot Stickers

What are some things you are looking forward to trying or are your favorites?