Nibbling Tapas

Set out in little bowls or cazuelas (Spanish clay pots):

• Marinated olives
  
• Almonds (simply salted, luscious Marcona, or tamari-roasted)
  
• Shrimp or mushrooms in oil and garlic
  

Spread toasted bread with a dollop of roasted garlic aioli and top with:

• Grilled or marinated anchovies or sardines
  
• Piquillo peppers
  
• Serrano ham and Manchego cheese
  
• Marinated tomatoes with garlic
  

Skewer on toothpicks:

• Anchovies wrapped around piquillo peppers
  
• Stuffed olives (stuffed with chiles, almonds, goat cheese or sun dried tomato)
  
• Cubes of Manchego or Urgelia cheese
  
• Fried or roasted cubed potatoes with aioli for dipping
  
• Chunks of spicy chorizo sausage with aioli for dipping
  

To serve, set the various appetizers around the area of your gathering to encourage mingling. Highlight the food stations with colorful votive candles. And, don't forget to provide lots of cocktail napkins and small "discard" bowls for shrimp tails, olive pits and toothpicks.