Mix and mingle: New takes on the traditional meat, cheese and veggie trays

While the holidays just wouldn't be the same without certain traditions, some traditions could use a new twist from time to time. When preparing for a gathering, many hosts go with the stand-bys: Cheese, sausage and veggie trays.

But unlike grandma's sugar cookie recipe, there is nothing special or sentimental about these appetizers -- they're just reliable, and when preparing to entertain, there's a certain comfort in that.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," quips Keller Ford, manager of Primo Vino! in Cape Girardeau, when asked for alternative ideas to cheese and sausage.

While these staples are always popular, Ford says there are a variety of ways to spice them up.

Instead of sausage, try prosciutto-wrapped melon balls drizzled with balsamic vinegar or bacon-wrapped chicken kabobs, he suggests.

Rather than the standard cheese slices, try making a brie en croute: Slice the rind off a 6-inch wheel of brie, top it with orange-fig preserves, wrap it in puff pastry and warm it in the oven until the crust is lightly browned (don't get the cheese too hot, or it will completely liquefy). A chardonnay goes well with these savory treats, says Ford.

Instead of the traditional vegetable tray, consider offering caramelized onions (cook a yellow onion in butter with sherry, thyme and bay leaf till very soft) with French bread slices. Pair this appetizer with a merlot or syrah.

And while "Amazing Amy" made fun of the traditional Missouri pickle tray in the movie "Gone Girl," pickled veggies are still very popular. Pickled garlic tucked inside meatballs is a fun update.

Theming the party nibbles is another way to liven things up. You can wish your friends "Buon natale" with an Italian-themed spread. Create Caprese skewers by threading a basil leaf, a grape tomato and a ball of baby mozzarella onto a toothpick and drizzling them with olive oil. Make a bruschetta tray with olive and tomato tapenades, crostini and shaved Parmesan.

For a glamorous New Year's Eve party, offer fois gras, caviar and champagne.

Elevate the usual Super Bowl fare by preparing pita bowls filled with fresh guacamole and barbecue chicken. Present a variety of microbrews to crack open.

A sweet option would be to serve dates or figs stuffed with bleu cheese along with a glass of port, to drizzle cheesecake bites with flavored liquor or to serve sips of moscato in chocolate cups, Ford suggests.

When planning a get-together for 15 guests, you should estimate having around nine bottles of wine and three types of appetizers (a 6-inch wheel of brie with a package of crackers, several dozen skewers, two loaves of French bread with toppings). If you want to eliminate the guess work, Primo Vino! can bring the party to your house, planning everything from a bourbon tasting to a cocktail party.