Appetizers: Are They Essential or Can You Do Without?
During my early years of entertaining I took pride in planning a 5-6 course meal. I say pride, because that is when I was in to: “impressing,” and unnecessarily so. (You can read more about this in my book, The Reluctant Entertainer.)
Here’s what I take into consideration when deciding whether to serve appetizers or not:
– the cost of the meal
– how I’m delegating the entrees
– the amount of food
– the time frame of the evening
– how many people are coming
– if wine is being served
Appetizers aren’t always essential, only because we are trying to eat LESS food these days. But they can still be served, and a “light” appetizer is nice. But they don’t have to be elaborate. Having a little something to munch on (like nuts or chips and a dip or crackers and cheese) is perfect for this course.
When our friends came for dinner last weekend, I didn’t put much thought into what I served because I already had the ingredients.
To be prepared, keep these ingredients on hand:
– cheese
– crackers
– fruit
– nuts
– chutney (Harry & David chutney is always stocked in my pantry)
With a simple display and some small plates and cocktail napkins, create an intimate setting and ENJOY a few bites, but I say let’s save our efforts for the main meal, right?
Do you think appetizers are essential, or can you do without?
(I served a Mozzarella Log Wrapped In Prosciutto and Honey Crisp apples with crackers.)
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
We always have appetizers and they’re always simple. I also don’t put a lot of thought or creativity into them (usually nuts, olives, peppers, something like that) but I don’t know if people are starving when they walk in our door or not. If they missed lunch or whatever, I want to make sure they get something to eat as soon as they get to our place. Someone also mentioned that this is nice for people who are early or on time while they’re waiting for the inevitable late comers.
My biggest fear is not having enough food. So I always have appetizers even if its just cheese and crackers and vegetables and dip. I always go over the top with food. I come from a very large family and we always had get togethers growing up and it always centered around lots of food. After getting married, I realized we may not be normal :) But I don’t care, there will never be a hungry guest at my house.