Tips for Hosting an Appetizer Dinner Party

Not sure what to serve at your next dinner party with friends or family? Consider hosting an appetizer party, featuring a buffet assortment of finger foods. Rather than trying to find one meal that everyone will enjoy, serve guests a variety of foods from which they can pick and choose their own menu. (Just remember to provide options that meet your guests’ dietary restrictions.)

A quick online search will reveal hundreds of different appetizer recipes—the options are truly endless! While you should have fun and be creative, consider these tips for creating an appetizer spread that will please all of your guests:

Remember the greens.

Guests will appreciate a healthy option on the buffet. Crudités, a traditional French appetizer consisting of sliced or whole raw vegetables, are a popular item at any gathering. For a different take, serve vegetable antipasti, which is typically grilled Italian vegetables like eggplant and zucchini marinated in olive oil.

Provide a variety of dips and spreads.

From olive tapenade to fresh salsa, there are many options to include as part of your appetizer buffet. Remember to set out bowls of tortilla chips, small slices of bread, and quartered pitas for guests to use when sampling!

Include a protein.

Make sure you provide several hearty proteins that will satiate your guests’ appetites. Meats, seafood, and cheese are just some foods that are high in protein. Ideas for a high-protein appetizer include shrimp cocktail, slow cooked meatballs, or barbecue chicken wings.

Serve some salty snacks.

Offer an assortment of nuts, such as lightly salted cashews or peanuts and sweet kettle-roasted almonds. For a simple and unique snack, try air-popped popcorn lightly sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Offer a signature beverage—like a wine frappé !

No party is complete without a tasty cocktail for the adults. For an evening to remember, choose one special drink to serve alongside other beverages. Try to find a drink that will pair well with many of your dishes.

Don’t forget dessert.

Even after enjoying a wonderful appetizer buffet, your guests are not likely to refuse dessert! Keep it simple with cookies or cupcakes or consider setting up a mini-buffet of sweet treats.

Ready to host your own appetizer party? Nectar of the Vine offers a variety of delicious products to serve at your gathering.