Entertaining Tip: How to do Hors d’oeuvres Right

I love hors d'oevres, sometimes it's my favorite part of the party.  When you are planning the hors d'oevres for your next event, here are a few tips that will make sure it's perfect, whether for a cocktail party in your home, the cocktail hour before your reception, or anything in between.

First of all, make sure you have a variety of choices.  Pick your favorite, for sure, but pick some you don't love, too, they may be someone else's favorite.  Make sure you have a meat, a chicken and a vegetarian option available; try to offer some sweet and some savory choices; and mix some hot and some cold.

Second, choose the type of hors d'oevres service you are planning:  light, medium or heavy hors d'oevres.  Light hors d'oevres are perfect before a meal.  They are usually light fare like fruit and cheese, dips and spreads or some bruschetta.  Medum hors d'oevres are similar to light hors d'oevres but can include some finger sandwiches or tarts.  Choose this if you are having an event in the middle of the afternoon or anytime smack between meals when your guests will be hungry but not ready for a full meal.  Heavy hors d'oevres, on the other hand, should be able to replace a meal.  They can include everything from the light hors d'oevres selection, but should include small portions of main course options.  Some favorites include chicken skewers, bacon wrapped scallops and puff pastries, or even a carving or pasta station. 

Third, getting the quantity right is always a question.  You will need to look at the serving sizes of each hors d'oevres, the number of guests you are expecting, and the length of your party to figure it out....  For light hors d'oevres, plan on 4-6 pieces per guest per hour, thought this is usually a one hour cocktail hour.  Medium hors d'oevres should have 6-8 pieces per person per hour, and this would normally be a 3 hour event.  Heavy hors d'oevres would generally have 10 pieces per guest the first hour, and 8-10 pieces per guest after that. 

Finally having the appropriate number of hors d'oevres is important, too.  For 25 people, 5 choices would be perfect, for 50 or more, 10. 

Stay tuned for tips on planning your cocktails and more!