What Are Good Pre-Appetizers?

Olives are a simple pre-appetizer that match well with different aperitifs.

Offering pre-appetizers is an inviting way to start a party. By offering guests a drink and a few things to nibble when they first arrive, you will make them feel comfortable and get the conversation started. Choose items that you can prepare and set out ahead of time, so there is no scrambling once people start arriving. Serving pre-appetizers this way will give you time to do last-minute preparation of the hors d'oeuvres without neglecting your guests. Does this Spark an idea?

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Aperitif
- Certain alcoholic beverages, such as Campari, Champagne, Kir or even wine spritzers, are ideal aperitifs because they are low in alcohol and are not filling. They are meant to whet the palate and stimulate the appetite while you relax before a meal. The beverage you choose for an aperitif will change based on the season, with lighter, more refreshing drinks, such as wine spritzers, served in summer and heavier, fortified wines such as sherry or port, served in winter.
Olives
- Set out a variety of olives as a pre-appetizer. They tend to go well with aperitifs, which are usually not too sweet. Purchase quality olives from a market or in the deli section of a supermarket. Offer both black and green, stuffed and unstuffed. Be sure to serve them with toothpicks and a small bowl for disposing of the pits. Add pickles as well, such as gherkins and small, spicy dill pickles.
Nuts
- Nuts are a simple choice for a pre-appetizer because they are widely available and easy to prepare. Find a seller of nuts with a high turnover, since some nuts go rancid quickly due to their high fat content. Roast them yourself, and offer a few different types, such as walnuts, pecans, cashews and almonds. Keep the flavorings simple, such as one with sea salt, a sweet-and-sour option and a spicy one, so you don't overwhelm the aperitifs.
Cheese
- You can also serve cheese as a pre-appetizer, but stick to cheeses that are more mild than strong, and only offer a few because they are quite filling. Brie is mild enough to pair with a variety of aperitifs but still seem elegant. Havarti with spices or herbs will also whet the appetite without overwhelming the palate, as will mild cheddar or small balls of fresh mozzarella.