This complete guide to the wonderfully diverse world of small plates offers practical ways to make spreads that can be sumptuous or streamlined

Serving small plates at home is achievable and low-stress when you balance hearty anchor dishes with creative nibbles such as gussied up vegetables, crispy bar snacks, dressed-up cheeses, and more. This collection gives you recipes aplenty with make-ahead advice and presentation tips to make it achievable. A robust introduction offers suggestions for pairings, taking ease, prep, flavor, and serving temperature into consideration. Planning is key, which we show you how to do with our Game Plan strategies with every recipe.

Bar snacks: For cocktail parties, make small, satisfying bites such as Smoky Shishito Peppers with Espelette and Lime Anchors, Nibbles, and Bites: Pair hearty dishes like Pinchos Morunos with lighter nibbles like Fennel, Orange, and Olive Salad, Stuffed Pickled Cherry Peppers, and Southern Cheese Straws, and store-bought bites such as olives and cheese

Fully make-ahead: Make many recipes (Pork-Ricotta Meatballs) a day or more ahead of your gathering for fussfree and efficient entertaining Perfect pairings: Balance fresh dishes like Scallops with Asparagus and Citrus Salad with rich Carciofi Alla Giudia One-bite sweet treats: End your evening sweetly with Chocolate-Lemon Truffles or Turkish Stuffed Apricots with Rose Water and Pistachios

Mix and match proteins, deconstruct salads, fry dumplings, make tempting dessert bites. Vegetable Pakoras with Shashlik and Spinach Squares? Yes, please.