Tasty starters for any budget!

As the holiday season gets underway, you might want to host a party for friends and relatives who are in town for the holiday. And of course, just as soon as Turkey Day is behind us, invitations begin arriving for holiday parties. This round of parties will include office events, family gatherings, cocktail parties for a cast of thousands, as well as small intimate get-togethers.

This is not a time for chips and dips, cheese and fruit trays, or chicken salad sandwiches. This is HOLIDAY TIME! This is definitely the time to really kick it up to notches unknown! With some careful planning and organization, whatever festivities you may be hosting can and should be enjoyed by all, especially YOU!

Remember, this is supposed to be fun! Don't take on more than you can handle.

First of all, be realistic. If your budget can't handle a big bash, plan a small celebration with close friends or family members. Rather than have a full bar, you might want to splurge just a bit on either reasonably priced, but good Champagne. Or, ask your wine merchant for some suggestions of white or red wines that fall within your budget. Hors d'oeurves can be simple, but be sure to have enough so your guests won't go home hungry! And now's the time to get out the good crystal, china and silver that has been gathering dust in the closet. If you don't have the good stuff, well-chosen glassware, mismatched fun chinaware, and stainless steel is certainly acceptable. The trick is to be a bit creative. After all, it's not what you serve the food on, it's the food and how it tastes that counts.

On the other hand, if your pocketbook can handle an elaborate shindig, then by all means have at it! Hire bartenders, call the florists, get a band, order caviar, and be as munificent as you please!

If you'll take care of the invitations or phone calls, Emeril has these suggestions for the food end of your party.

This first batch of suggestions are simple, inexpensive, but oh, so tasty!

• Natchitoches Meat Pies
• Pork Boulettes
• Corn Battered Shrimp
• Creamy Pralines
• Spiced Butter Cookies

If you want something a bit more flamboyant, try these!

• Beef Tartare
• Crabmeat Deviled Eggs
• Gougeres
• Caramelized Salmon in New Potatoes
• Baked Crabmeat, Artichoke and Spinach Dip

And for those of you with expensive taste!

• Caviar Parfait
• Corn Cakes with Caviar and Traditional Garnishes
• Smoked Salmon Terrine with Christmas Caviar Sauce
• Singing Shrimp