Appetizers for an Engagement Party

Remember to relax and enjoy your party.

Your engagement is an exciting but stressful time; there's just so much planning to be done. The first event on hand is your engagement party. To begin, decide whether you want a laid-back vibe, a cocktail party, a casual but chic gathering, or a full-on formal event. Once that decision is made, choose your menu options. Appetizers are important because they'll be the first food served, setting the stage for the rest of the menu and, ultimately, the party.

Backyard Barbecue

If you are seeking a relaxed and easy dining option, consider hosting a backyard barbecue; it will be less expensive and more intimate than hosting a formal event. While a backyard barbecue calls for fresh in-season ingredients, many appetizer options are easy to make and don't require heating. Provide guests with a fresh vegetable crudités platter with several dipping options, including ranch, red pepper aioli and pesto; it can serve as not only an appetizer but also as a table centerpiece. You can also make BLT cherry tomato bites and egg salad bites.

Cocktail Party

A cocktail party might be the perfect way to celebrate your engagement. Less expensive than a formal option, it is still fancier than the backyard barbecue. You will need several appetizer options because that's all that is served at a cocktail parties, although you can provide small desserts if you want. Classic appetizer options include shrimp cocktail, prosciutto wraps, shrimp bruschetta, mushrooms stuffed with crab or various cheeses, various antipasto platters, and bowls of marinated olives.

Casual but Chic

So perhaps a backyard barbecue isn't up your alley, formal is too stuffy, and a cocktail party isn't your thing. Don't worry; you still have options. Consider hosting a casual dinner party at your favorite restaurant or at your home. You can always tailor your party to your interests by getting creative with your menu. If you and your partner are sushi lovers, serve California rolls and shrimp tempura as your appetizers. If you want to have a salsa dancing party, then consider serving mini-tacos and chips laden with guacamole and salsa. Classic casual appetizers can also include spring rolls, seasoned popcorns (parmesan and rosemary are an excellent combination), bacon-wrapped shrimp, polenta rounds, and assorted fruit and cheese boards.

Formal

If you're planning a high-end formal engagement party, remember that the first course you serve sets the tone for the whole event. If budget is not an issue, then you will want to have an endless array of appetizer options. Some appetizers that are always sure to impress include beef Carpaccio, mini crab cakes, lobster rolls and a mushroom risotto made with truffle oil. Remember to always provide a vegetarian option.

References

• DisneyFamily.com: Top 20 Party Appetizers