5 Genius Low-Waste, Handheld Party Foods

Skip the wasteful disposable plates and plastic forks. These clever party foods will have you saying, "Look ma, no... plates!"

Show: HGTV Happy

Related To:

Finger foods are typically about as lame as they sound. A dry, boring sandwich in bite-sized form is still a dry, boring sandwich. Ditch the boring and opt for something a little more fun. Bonus: These adorable treats are low-waste, allowing you to save the planet while you save a little cash.

Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Salad Served on Romaine Leaves

Ditch the paper plates and serve low-waste appetizers at your next get-together instead. For a super quick and flavorful starter, scoop crowd-pleasing chicken salad onto individual romaine leaves and watch this nutritious snack steal the show.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

If you want a healthy, yet delicious option, you can’t go wrong with these lettuce wraps. Just take individual romaine leaves and fill them with chicken salad. Not only do these take no time at all to make, they are as delicious as they are nutritious.

Lettuce Wrapped Chicken Salad is Healthy and Handheld

Chicken Salad Wraps Make for a Healthy Handheld Party Food

Make things easy on your wedding guests by providing a healthy, handheld food option. Chicken salad lettuce wraps are a cool, crisp, refreshing option that your guests are sure to love.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Fruit Bowls…Literally

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Cut down on waste by using your food as its own bowl. Just cut the top off of a large apple, scoop out the insides using a melon scooper and fill the apples back up with the apple pieces and other assorted fruits. To keep the fruit from browning, just squeeze some lemon juice on top and garnish with a dollop of cream, some berries and a mint leaf.

Pro tip: Use a spoon to create the perfect bowl outline in the apple’s flesh.

Serve Fruit in Bowls Made of Fruit for the Ultimate Fruit Bowl

These Fruit Bowls are Just Fruit in Bowls Made of Fruit

At a hot outdoor wedding, your guests will thank you for skipping the heavy, greasy meal options and providing a light, healthy snack option. These fruit bowls are easy to make, handheld and require no cleanup.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Chicken and Waffle Cones

Chicken Tenders Inside Waffle Cones

Chicken and Waffle Cones

Chicken and waffles, anyone? A sweet waffle cone makes the perfect edible vessel for your favorite chicken nuggets. Drizzle with maple syrup or dipping sauce for a clever handheld snack.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Show your guests how clever you are by serving them chicken and waffle cones. Just fill a waffle cone with your favorite chicken nuggets, drizzle a little maple syrup (or hot sauce!) on top and finish them off with a festive little flagged toothpick.

Chicken Served in a Waffle Cone is Handheld and Delicious

This Twist on Chicken and Waffles is a Perfect Handheld Food

Get creative at your wedding reception by serving up this delicious, trendy dish in a handheld format. By putting chicken nuggets in a waffle cone and drizzling with maple syrup, chicken and waffles never seemed so approachable.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Chili Bags

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Make your guests feel right at home without having to do any dishes. Just make a slow cooker full of chili, and set out all your desired toppings and a basket full of corn chip bags. Instead of bowls, have your guests use the bags to create their perfect bowl, or bag rather, of chili.

Serve Chili Bags for a Quick and Easy Party Food

Chili Bags Make a Fun and Easy Wedding Reception Dish

Save money and time on cleanup at your wedding reception by serving chili bowls. Instead of using bowls, serve them in a bag of corn chips. This fun alternative to a classic dish is sure to be a crowdpleaser.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Brownie on a Stick

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

For a quick and easy dessert, opt for kebabs. Just sandwich a strawberry between two brownie bites for a gorgeous AND scrumptious treat.

Quick and Easy Handheld Strawberry-Brownie Kabobs

Strawberry-Brownie Kabobs are the Ultimate Handheld Dessert

Skip the mess of ice cream and the trouble of a cake and opt for an easy, handheld dessert option. These strawberry-brownie kabobs take hardly any time to prep and are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Next Up

Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

You don't have to tap into your savings to throw a great party. Try our tasty recommendations for easy (and cheap!) party recipes.

12 Things to Include in Your Wedding Welcome Bags

Welcome out-of-town guests to your wedding festivities with a thoughtful bag brimming with everything they need for the weekend ahead.

5 DIY Graduation Money Gifts

Gift money to your favorite grad with one of our fun and clever DIYs. Because who doesn't love money, right?

HGTV's Top Wedding Registry Must-Haves

Discover our top picks for creating the ultimate wedding registry, from kitchen essentials to handy gadgets you never knew you needed.

70 Must-Have Baby Buys on Amazon, According to Parents

Prepare for your little one's arrival (or shower the parents-to-be) with these bestselling newborn essentials from Amazon.

5 Cute + Easy Mother's Day Cards to Make

Make Mom one of these adorable handmade cards with materials you likely already have for an easy last-minute gift idea.

How to Make a Holiday Breakfast Kit

This is the perfect favor for a late-night holiday party. Send your guests home with a ready-made breakfast for the morning after the soiree. It works equally well as a thoughtful hostess gift.

Halloween Party Recipes: Witches' Teeth and Custard Cups

Full of fall flavors, these treats are scary good!

Baby Animal Name Game

This printable baby animal name game is the perfect activity to keep guests entertained at a jungle or zoo-themed baby shower.

This Is the Only Baby Shower Game You Will Ever Need

What a cute baby! She has your ... eye?

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

House Hunters

1pm | 12c

House Hunters

1:30pm | 12:30c

House Hunters

2:30pm | 1:30c

House Hunters

3:30pm | 2:30c

House Hunters

4:30pm | 3:30c

House Hunters

5:30pm | 4:30c

House Hunters

6:30pm | 5:30c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
8:30pm | 7:30c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:31pm | 10:31c

House Hunters

2:31am | 1:31c
3am | 2c
3:30am | 2:30c

House Hunters

4:30am | 3:30c

House Hunters

5:30am | 4:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.