Hors D'oeuvres, Schmors D'oeuvres: Have It Covered

You've found the perfect location. You have a thrillingly creative theme. The main course is planned, the invitations are out, and you're the feeling like the hostess of the year. Now hmmm . . . what's missing? Hors d'oeuvres! Hors d'oeuvres! You're not so confident in serving those tricky little hors d'oeuvres! Fear not! Here are a few simple tips in hors d'oeuvres etiquette that will pull you, poised and perfect, through the first 50 minutes of your soiree. The Hardware Serving Trays: You can find serving trays in a variety of different styles. Large serving trays are ideal for drinks or small plates of hors d'oeuvres. Small serving trays are great for finger foods. Silverware: Are you serving hors d'oeuvres that will require forks, knives, or spoons? Don't forget the napkins! Tea Cart: You may want to use a teacart for strolling through your attendees; it may be easier to balance your serving trays this way. You can also pick up used plates, silverware, or glasses with the teacart; you run less risk of spilling heavier loads on a teacart than you do on a serving tray.

The Food

• Feed your friends right: incorporate a healthy mix of fruits, veggies, and grains into your hors d'oeuvres. It may be a good idea to create fruit and vegetable serving trays.
• Assume that some of your friends are vegetarians, and create a serving tray with a vegetarian option or two.
• Count on 4 to 6 hors d'oeuvres per person if you're serving a meal. If you're just serving hors d'oeuvres with cocktails, the amount goes up to 12 pieces per person.
• Always prepare a selection of items that can be served at room temperature. That way you don't have to worry that your hot entree will be getting cold, or that your cold dessert will be melting.
• Offer foods that are easily served on teacarts or serving trays so that it's less of a hassle for you, the host!

The Drinks

• Be sure to offer non-alcoholic drinks right along with your champagne or other cocktails. It's best to serve the 2 varieties on separate serving trays or separate tea carts so that there's no confusion.
• Offer serving trays or teacarts for your guests to place their empty glasses on.
• If you use serving trays, be sure that they're flat and stable enough to hold your drinks! Nothing will put a damper on a gathering faster than an entire serving tray of spilled beverages.

And now, you master of mingling, you finger-food queen, you hostess with the mostest . . . you're armed and ready for what could very well be your best party yet! Relax and enjoy!