This complete guide to the wonderfully diverse world of small plates offers practical ways to make spreads that can be sumptuous or streamlinedServing small plates at home is achievable and low-stress when you balance hearty anchor dishes with creative assists 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, offering make-ahead and presentation tips; recipe pairings; and pantry-friendly suggestions.Bar snacks: For cocktail parties, make small, satisfying bites such as Blistered Shishito Peppers and Fried Zucchini Sticks with Spicy A?oliAnchors and assists: Pair hearty dishes like Pinchos Morunos (Spanish pork kebabs) with lighter bites like Fennel, Orange, and Olive Salad, Stuffed Pickled Cherry Peppers, and Southern Cheese StrawsFully make-ahead: Make many recipes (Pork-Ricotta Meatballs) a day or more ahead of your gathering for fussfree and efficient entertainingPerfect pairings: Balance fresh dishes like Scallops with Asparagus and Citrus Salad with rich Carciofi Alla GiudiaStore-bought snacks: Expand your menu and reduce your work by including cheese, charcuterie, olives, and moreOne-bite sweet treats: End your evening sweetly with Rum Balls or Chocolate-Lemon TrufflesMix and match proteins, deconstruct salads, fry dumplings, make tempting dessert bites. Vegetable Pakoras with Shashlik and Pa amb Tom?quet? Yes, please.