Since she is just starting out, maybe she can do some easy things too like a platter of raw veggies and dip; or cheese tray with pepperoni and crackers; or a couple varieties of cheeseballs with crackers. Here are two of my favorite cheeseball recipes:

DRIED BEEF CHEESEBALL

2 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small jar of dried beef, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Mix cheeses, onion and worcestershire sauce. Form into ball and roll in chopped beef. Refrigerate several hours for all flavors to blend.

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, or mixture of green and red bell pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste
2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Mix all ingredients and 1 cup of the pecans. Form into ball. Roll in remaining 1 cup of pecans. Refrigerate several hours before serving.