The Holidays are fast approaching and you are looking for some ideas on how to feed a crowd…or you are asked to bring a dish to a party or dinner. Appetizers can be the answer. Serving appetizers is a great way to serve even the pickiest eaters. Why pay someone else to put together a platter when you can save money, prepare this in minutes, and know it’ll still be fresh when the guests arrive. Let your imagination run wild! Here are some foods for putting together an authentic Italian platter. Ingredients could include roasted red peppers, provolone cheese wedges cut into slices, sliced pepperoni , black and green olives, marinated mushrooms, jarred pepperoncini, prosciutto wrapped bread sticks, rolled-up salami, dried sausage or soppressata ut in thin angled slices, marinated or plain jarred artichokes, and  fresh cherry tomatoes. Remember to keep it colorful and you will wow the crowd! Use any kind of platter whether it is plastic or china and it will look good. Use small colored plastic serving sticks found in the grocery store placed in and around the platter, or use fancy appetizer forks for a more formal occasion. You are sure to be a crowd pleaser!