Appetizers are small portions of food served before the first course. It is “high style” to serve these tiny portions of food with beverages in the living room before a meal.
The informality of guests moving around the room, helping themselves to dainty tidbits starts conversations and put the guests at ease. Chatting and sipping while browsing through the hor d’oeuvres is a delightful way to begin the evening.
To add to the cheery atmosphere and entice your guests, appetizers can be artfully arranged. Whether this is a theme party, birthday or holiday, you can set the mood with lovely garnishes, special table settings and crafty ideas.
Feel free to use your creativity to invent new ways to display these small bites. Using the ideas below you may find these can be done on a budget and add flair to the affair.
The Shrimp Cocktail is classic.
The newest tool in the appetizer trick book is the toothpick. Appetizers are attached to attractive fruits or vegetables, and an assortment of inanimate objects.
Here flowers are used to hold toothpicks
A variety of fruits and vegetables, including an eggplant and pineapple.
Artfully arranged on interesting objects.
The pineapple is a versatile fruit that can hold toothpicks, dips or artfully arranged as a delicious starter.
The unique shape of the pineapple is appealing enough to create an appetizer even without the fruit.
Colorfully arranged dips and vegetables invite your guests to nibble.
Another display of shrimp for a crowd, using an ice ring for temperature and interest.
For a theme party use interesting ways to display the food. The party pictured below uses wicker and plants to enhance the Hawaiian theme.
The outdoor party uses flower pots to enhance the garden theme.
These inexpensive serving utensils compliments seafood.
Here are some instructions for creating garnishes to add to your display. Spending time on the details will make your party a great smash.
You can use the most simple preparation
To the most elaborate:
The Art of the appetizer photos from these glorious books.
