In all occasions and special events, party appetizers recipes are a must for the host and her guests. In preparing your menu, make sure that your party appetizers are easy to eat, can be prepared ahead, and are certified crowd pleasers.

Having spot-on party appetizers is a must to ensure your dear guests, especially those being acquainted with each other for the first time, will have something to talk about, which would be a plus point for you as ultimate party hostess or doyenne of home entertaining in your community or crowd.

In planning your party appetizer menu, rely on classic flavor combinations like smoked salmon or pesto and cream cheese, spinach and artichoke, shrimp cocktails with tomato sauce. Alternate the textures and let it reflect on your chips and dips, bruschetta with variations of tomato toppings (including black olive or onion tapenade), and creative pumpkin soups in shot glasses—definite conversation pieces.

Serve some yummy sandwiches, pastries and wraps. These include mushroom puffs, mini tarts using filo pastry and filled with savory fillings like tuna apple melts, chicken salad wraps. Go multi-cultural and serve easy tacquitos, cheese quesadillas and palak paneer, which are on our recipe collection. To go with your cocktail drinks, beer or wine, serve some stuffed olives, cubed cheese, and meatballs on toothpicks.

Easy to eat appetizers may be served buffet style or in trays served by a wait staff as everyone mingles around. Make sure you have enough plates, utensils and paper napkins distributed amongst the guests so that the party continues, unhindered by messy fingers and food spoiled trays.

If you’re the one doing the cooking, it’s much better to prepare most of the food ahead. Keep them well-chilled and then heat them later (if needed) or serve cold (especially cold appetizers or salad sandwich fillings). If you have them around, put the hot appetizers on chafing dishes and have someone man the booth to help in distributing the treats.

As you arrange the party appetizers on plates, trays, bowls and glasses, remember to provide appropriate edible décor according to the occasion. Cut some sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, rosemary or spring onions and plant them on your tray of food. Carve floral designs out of tomatoes or melons and put them also as edible décor. Last but not least, have a food-themed table centerpiece, in addition to the floral arrangements, if you like. It tells your guests how much fun your party is about.

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