It's time to start making plans for the weekend that'll get you so excited that the rest of the week flies by. Our suggestion? Plan a dinner party, and not just any dinner party - an "apps and 'zerts" dinner party. The silly name is a little easier to say than "appetizers and desserts dinner party," and the concept is clear and it's a winner. It's a party that asks "Who needs entrees?"

Everyone's favorite part of any dinner are the bite-size, cheesy, flavor-packed appetizers and the sweet, indulgent desserts. Forget salad, soup and heavy hunks of meat. Plus, apps and 'zerts parties produce fewer dishes to be done! It's win-win-win. Add some wine or batched cocktails and you've got a perfect formula for a great night.

Gather a crew and have everyone bring either an appetizer or a dessert. If they need a little guidance, worry not. We've got eight appetizers and eight desserts to offer you.

Appetizers:

1. Mac and Cheese Cups from The Suburban Mom.

2. Shrimp with Classic Cocktail Sauce from The Curvy Carrot.

3. Pizza Pinwheels from Yellow Bliss Road.

4. Homemade Mozzarella Sticks from Pretty Providence.

5. Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

6. Spanakopita from The Wicked Noodle.

7. Red Wine Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tartlets from Drizzle and Dip.

8. Caprese Skewers from The Gingham Apron.

Desserts:

1. Pineapple Sunshine Cake from Belle of the Kitchen.

2. Individual Monkey Bread Cups from Your Homebased Mom.

3. Carmelitas from Averie Cooks.

4. Bailey's Chocolate Mousse from Lemon Tree Dwelling.

5. Raspberry Lemon Bars from Lovely Little Kitchen.

6. No-Bake Oreo Bars from All Things Mamma.

7. S'mores Krispie Treats from Renee's Kitchen Adventures.

8. Sangria Cupcakes from The First Year Blog.