Appetizer Ideas: For The Unforgettable Party Spread

Planning a party is a big event. You will need to attend to the venue, music, entertainment, drinks and the food. Food is very important as this keeps your guests well fed and happy. Now depending on the type of party, you will have to decide whether you want to serve appetizers. If it is a cocktail party then you will definitely serve appetizers. If you've chosen to include a spread of appetizers in your menu, you will need to decide whether it would follow your theme for the main courses. If you've chosen not to go with a particular theme and just prepare a spread of different appetizers, there are many recipes that you can choose from.

Here are some universal appetizers that can be seen on the spread of a cocktail party, a dinner party or a summer party.

• Canapes – or tartine in Italy is finger food, often bite sized and is highly decorative. The most common canape is made up of crackers in different sizes and shapes, topped with a filling, a spread or paste of some kind. Crackers can be replaced with small slices of toast, white bread or pastry of some sort. Foie gras, relish cheese and caviar are just some of the most common toppings for this canape.

• Crudites – fresh appetizers made from vegetables. The cut up, sliced or torn vegetables are uniform in size, colorful and served in platters with dips. The raw vegetables are dipped in a vinaigrette to flavor it. Celery sticks, carrot sticks, asparagus spears and pepper strips are a common sight in a crudites spread. Crudites are vegetarian and vegan friendly appetizers.

• Bruschetta – Italian in origin and has been served since the 15th century. A bruschetta is a grilled bread slice that has been rubbed with olive oil and garlic. A platter of bruschetta can have several different toppings. Some of the most common toppings include tomatoes and cheese, cured meat and cheese, basil, mozzarella and cheese and beans with cheese.

• Dumplings – are small amounts of food wrapped in dough, leaves, wrappers or pastry. After the filling is wrapped and sealed, they are cooked further. They can be steamed, fried or even baked. Dumplings can differ depending on the cuisine it comes from.

These are just some of the many kinds of appetizers that you can use for your very own party. Get some recipes, buy the ingredients, get family and friends to help and you'll be all set for the best party you've ever given.