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Almost everybody LOVES deviled eggs, and they are very inexpensive to make.

If you want to go with the "Italian" theme, choose an appetizer or side dish from "Source", below.

Nachos! Just like a Subway experience

So a potluck in addition to a cookie exchange. I'd opt for a hearty soup or a salad with cranberries and feta.

I presume other ladies are bringing different savory dishes?, & desserts.

How about a scooped out red/white cabbage filled with a ranch/ blue cheese

dip & veggie sticks/ chips. Cheese scones/straws, Chicken satay sticks & peanut dip, Devilled eggs, Ham rollups made by spreading cream cheese on wheat tortillas with thin sliced ham on top,perhaps a little mustard or branston pickle as well, roll up, wrap in ceramwrap, chill a while, then unwrap, cut into rounds like sushi or mini savory swiss roll, these look good on a nice plate and are also good for kids parties.

If you do want a fresh sweet, make some fresh fruit kebabs & sweetened cream / sauce [chocolate is popular].

salad