Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is no small task. You’ve got to perfectly roast a turkey, cook up everyone’s favorite sides, make a pumpkin pie for dessert—and find the ideal wine to pair with your feast. Add to that the multitude of friends and family arriving at your house all afternoon, peeking their heads into the kitchen to see how the meal is coming along and you’ve got more than enough to keep yourself busy! That’s why we like to whip up a few crowd-pleasing appetizers for the big day. Although they require a bit more planning and preparation, pre-dinner bites are always worth the extra effort. Even the simplest ones like crostini, shrimp cocktail or oven-roasted nuts will go a long way in keeping your guests full and happy—giving you more time to work on the big feast.

Not sure where to start? Kicking things off with a little cheese and charcuterie is always a good idea—and this snacking board has it all. Piles of crunchy vegetables, stacks of fruit, slices of cheese and folds of turkey meat are tucked alongside the easiest candied nuts, an extra-herby cheese ball, a sweet potato spread with a little marshmallow swirl and—the showstopper—a baked Brie in the shape of a pumpkin.

The flavor of the butternut squash is highlighted by a pinch of nutmeg in this easy, classic recipe.

This cheese-stuffed bread bowl has built in dippers, thanks to a few clever cuts — no crackers required.