18 Favorite Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for co*cktail Parties and Other Special Celebrations (2024)

FAQs

How many types of hors d oeuvres for a co*cktail party? ›

A good rule of thumb when working with your caterer on just how many hors d'oeuvres to choose is as follows: for 10 – 12 guests a minimum of 5 selections, 25 guests a minimum of 9 selections and for 50 guests, a minimum of 13 selections.

A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

The cheese ball is the ultimate '70s party appetizer — and this classic chive and green olive cheese ball is sure to be a hit. Just roll that bad boy into a ball and serve it with crackers, it's really that simple.

Hors d'oeuvres include canapés, small tartlets, crudités, or skewered items.

Appetizers - For parties where you're only serving appetizers and finger foods, base your estimate on five to eight appetizer bites per person, per hour. If there's a meal included, cut back to four or five per person per hour before the meal.

For a one hour party, typically 4 – 5 bites per person would be appropriate. For a two hour party, because people will eat more the first hour than the second, you'll still need the 4-5 bites and also about 2-3 more per person for the second hour so a total of 6-8 bites per person.

Dinner Party – 6 appetizers per person. Serve only 2 to 3 appetizer items, but offer appetizers to only whet their appetite without ruining it. What is this? co*cktail Party – 8 to 12 appetizers per person.

Purpose and Setting: Hors d'oeuvres can be thought of as 'mingling food'; small portioned items that are passed around in a social setting. Appetizers on the other hand are often served directly to you while seated at a table.

What appetizers were popular in the 80s? ›

nearly anything can be served as amuse boudhe: salads, soups, canapes, fish, and vegetables.

Here's a quick guide to how many appetizers you should serve at your party: 10-12 guests = 5 appetizer selections. 25 guests = 9 appetizer selections. 50 guests = 13 appetizer selections.

HOW MANY SHOULD I SERVE? It's best to calculate the amount per person. Canape-only party: 8-10 savory and 1-2 sweet canapés per person for a standard 4-hour private party, where no other food is served. Pre-meal drinks reception: 3-4 pieces per person will do just right.

As a rule of thumb, most guests will consume 8 to 10 bite-size pieces for every 60 to 90 minutes of a party. However, the larger the variety of offerings, the more hors doeuvres that will be consumed because everyone will want to try at least one of each item.