With holiday dinner parties just around the corner, this article highlights helpful expert tips for choosing standout, delicious dinner party appetizers.

• Guests – For hosts that know their guests likes and dislikes, consider serving a variety of appetizers that appeal to select tastes. However, it’s always fun to experiment and throw in a few new appetizers to help expand guests’ food repertoires.
• Event Details – Tailor the appetizers to the event. Is the event a bunch, luncheon, afternoon tea or a more formal dinner party? The time of day will help hosts determine if they should serve family or buffet styles and cold or hot foods. For example, midday gatherings can offer quiches, tea sandwiches, vegetable spreads and petite desserts. Evening events accommodate both hot and cold appetizers, cheese courses, olives, mixed nuts and small finger foods.
• Preparing – If appetizers can be made in advance, this will save hosts a great deal of time, allowing them to focus on the main course.
• Themes – Consider opting for a general theme. For example, if planning a Thai dinner party, serving Mediterranean style appetizers isn’t advisable, as the flavor profiles clash.
• Sweet or Savory – Avoiding excessively spicy appetizers is recommended, as this may compromise guests’ palates before the main course and dessert.
• Vegetables – Hosts should consider having a vegetable course that is healthful, as this is generally lighter and allows for heavier main courses and desserts. If hosts are looking for more gourmet options rather than a traditional vegetable and dip platter, they may consider opting for lettuce wraps.
• Balance – This is extremely important when planning a dinner party. If the main course is going to be meat-centric and heavy, consider opting for lighter appetizers that highlight seafood or vegetables. This helps keep the appetizer dishes light so guests don’t overeat before dinner.
• Experiment – Opting for variety is an essential component. Hosts should consider serving soft foods and crunchy foods, which allow for necessary balance. Additional tips include serving no more than one appetizer dish on a skewer, opting for several non-bread dishes and including a variety of shapes – such as round baguette slices, long breadsticks, square bruschetta and even triangular spanakopita.  Hors d’oeuvres should be served with a variety of colorful garnishes, including pesto, mustard dips and other bright ingredients.

To serve appetizers, consider opting for charger plates. These can easily accommodate dinnerware, as they are placed underneath. Charger plates are not only decorative – elevating any table or buffet setting, but they are also excellent for passed hors d’oeuvres. Available in a variety of shapes, ranging from circular and square to octagonal, acrylic charger plates, mirrored charger plates or even metal charger plates look sensational at dinner parties. Charger plates successfully combine both function and style!