Monday Open Thread: The Best Party Food

If your schedule is anything like mine, you're about halfway through the December round of open houses, cocktail parties, and holiday dinners. Sometimes, the only thing that can get me motivated to head out to yet another function is the food! My friends Robyn and Mark always have these spinach-cheese balls that I love. Others have egg nog. Or a special champagne punch. A great cheese board -- or even a really good caterer. What are your favorite party foods this time of year? What's been good so far? Any standouts? Anything you'd rather never see again?