Appetizers Ready, Table Set, Pour a Glass of Wine, and GO!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your appetizer table:

Platters:

• Decide which platter will be best for each dish.
• Platters don’t have to match.  The more color and variety, the more interesting your table will appear.
• Place food on platters in bite size pieces in advance of the party.   For room temperature items, make sure they are placed on the table at least a half hour in advance.
• Make sure you have the appropriate serving utensils for each platter.
• For large parties (forty plus), place appetizers on two separate platters and place one on each end of the table.

Tableware:

• Use appetizer or salad plates.  For a party of 20, have at least 30 available.
• Plates don’t have to match!
• Small appetizer forks, or salad forks, should be arranged on the table.
• Have plenty of cocktail napkins on the table – at least two per person.

Finishing Touches:

• Flowers always brighten a table.  A short, rectangular, glass vase works well with fresh-cut flowers.
• Six or eight glass tealight holders with colorful candles to match your color scheme will add great ambiance.  Purchase clear tealight candle holders at a party store or home goods store and you will be able to use them over and over.

Let’s complete this simple celebration with a few delicious desserts … coming next time …