• Vegetables, dip and crunchy mixes are crowd-pleasing appetizers.appetizers image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  Appetizers originated as first courses but have now become synonymous with hors d'oeuvres, a one or two-bite snack eaten while socializing before a meal or at a cocktail party. There are several things to keep in mind when planning appetizers. You should have a variety of flavors, textures and preparations among your appetizers. You will need six to seven appetizers per person for each hour of your gathering. It is wise to keep your appetizer menu simple enough so you are not spending more time in the kitchen than you are with your guests. Food does not need to be complicated to be great.
  
  

Hot Finger Foods

• You will want to have one or two appetizers that you can serve hot. Prepare these ahead so you only have to heat and serve them at party time. Some simple but satisfying hot appetizers include pigs in blankets, mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms and chicken wings. Meatballs and cocktail franks in sauce and served in a slow cooker or chafing dish are another option. You will find recipes for many variations on these items. Pick flavor profiles that will complement your menu and appeal to the tastes of your guests.
  
  

Cold Finger Foods

• Many classic appetizers can be dressed up or down and used for either casual or formal events. One presentation of that type is a platter of crab claws or shrimp on ice with a bowl of cocktail sauce and garnished with lemon wedges. Another is a platter with a variety of cheeses that guests can cut and eat on a selection of breads and crackers. You can also set out platters of attractively arranged small sandwiches, sliced fruits, meats, vegetables or a combination of these.
  
  

Dips

• Some dips have the advantage of being not only popular but also vegetarian. Among these are guacamole, bean, dill, ranch, salsa and cucumber dip. Select your favorite recipes and offer several dip options with a variety of crackers, chips and sliced vegetables. You can also offer a hot dip in a chafing dish. Good choices would be a crab or shrimp dip, spinach and artichoke dip or a cheese fondue served with cubed bread.
  
  

Nuts And Mixes

• It is good to have appetizers that satisfy the desire for crunchy foods. Besides vegetables, bowls of mixed nuts are an easy and tasty solution, as are mixes made by baking cereal with butter and seasonings. You can buy the latter in bags but if it is possible for you to make your own, you will provide a more impressive appetizer.