Appetizers for Thanksgiving set the mood for the rest of your day. Don't believe me? Think about the last party you went to where the host set out only vegetables, chips and dip.

Thanksgiving appetizers are the first thing people are going to see and eat. Set the mood for a great day by offering unique appetizers that your guests aren't expecting.

Plus, delicious Thanksgiving appetizers keep people out of the kitchen, allowing you to get stuff done! Win-win!

Don't complicate appetizers. In fact, you don't want them to be complicated. You'll have enough to do with the main meal.

The following appetizers are easy to make, setup, and they will draw compliments throughout the day. Before the turkey is even on the table, you’ll have culinary cred with the guests.

Sweet and sour meatballs

Meatballs are easy to make ahead of time, and they are a cinch to keep warm. People will love these spicy bites because they are substantial food.

Besides, everybody knows that eating nine meatballs is not anything like eating a full hamburger. So, eat up, they’re small and, therefore, healthy.

Make the meatballs with pork or 80/20 ground beef and cook them in the oven. When it comes time to serve them, place them in a slow cooker on warm. Then pour on the spicy sauce.

Shrimp ring with a variety of dipping sauces

We are all familiar with the shrimp rings sold in the stores. And, the same old red shrimp dip placed in the center of the ring. Put out a couple of shrimp rings, but add some small dishes for extra dipping sauces. This is also a good time to put out your favorite hot sauces, specialty mustards and ketchup.

Haven't tried chocolate dipped shrimp? Of course not, because it’s just that rare.

Pecan and sweet potato casserole

A sweet potato casserole will be a hit with your discriminating, snooty foodie friends. Adding a casserole as a Thanksgiving appetizer will make your mom and hipster friends consider you a cooking genius.

Deviled eggs

Yes, I know. There is nothing special or unique about deviled eggs. Unless you make the filling different and tasty. Then they will stand out like a bright light. Besides, if they aren't on the table, somebody is going to say something about them.

Baked Seafood Dip

Warm seafood dip slathered over pieces of crusty bread. Nothing more to say.

Chips and dip

Yes, I know. I was making fun of this at the beginning of the article. but let me say, a party without chips and dip is a boardroom meeting. Regardless of how fancy you make your other appetizers, you always have to have chips and dip. Otherwise, all your friends will be talking about the time when you had a party and, "there weren't even chips and dip there."