How to Take an Appetizer to a Party

Create scintillating finger foods on festive platters for a guaranteed success. Your host (and the guests) will appreciate it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Cellophane Gift Wrap
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Wrapping Paper
• Antipasto
• Artichoke Hearts
• Baguettes
• Caviar
• Crackers
• Hors D'oeuvres Sets
• Baking Supplies
• Blenders
• Caviar Servers
• Caviar Spoons
• Cocktail Toothpicks
• Platters
• Toothpicks
• Toothpicks
• Artichoke hearts
• Tissue paper

1. Call your host a few days before the scheduled party. Ask if there is a particular culinary theme, or a preferred type of appetizer.

2. Search cookbooks and Web sites featuring appetizer and hors d'oeuvre recipes.

3. Focus on finger foods, or dips with crackers or vegetable crudités. Elegant cheese-and-cracker platters are also easy, and are always well-received. All of these options have a low mess factor, and can be easily prepared right before the party.

4. Make enough appetizer pieces to allow each guest at least three pieces. If yours is the only appetizer being served, supply at least five pieces per person.

5. Prepare the dish a few hours before the party, if possible, to ensure maximum freshness. Many dishes can be prepared the night before, while some require last-minute preparation, so use your best judgment.

6. Arrange the hors d'oeuvres on a festive platter. Bring extras in a sealed airtight container, and remember to keep the platter refilled throughout the party.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the appetizer platter with colored cellophane paper.
• Use fancy themed toothpicks, colorful doilies or festive garnishes to dress up the plate.

[grapegirls]

on 3/13/2009 Great tips!

on 11/22/2005 Garage sales are great places to pick up unmatched dinner plates with great designs for pocket change. I keep a supply on hand to serve food that I bring to parties on. If I leave the plate behind, it's no big deal, and it's much nicer than plastic or paper.

on 11/22/2005 This one is easy, as most of it is made ahead of time. Cut 2 1/2 inch circles of bread. Toast then lightly in a 350 degree oven. Package when cool, and freeze until needed. Spread each circle with mayonnaise (a squirt bottle works best), top with 1/4 inch slice of Roma tomato. Sprinkle with bacon bits, then Cavander's Greek seasoning. Heat until slightly warm just before serving. This can be varied with a sprinkling of chives and softened cream cheese instead of mayonnaise. Use your imagination. These always make a hit.