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...
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I love the nibblies! We will often have a platter of cheese, salami, olives and sundried tomatoes etc out just because we can. We just reduce the size of our main meal to accommodate the extra calories :D
And when we’re entertaining, we normally do quite a large spread of both hot and cold appetizers.
I guess we don’t entertain that often, so when we do we kinda go all out.
I’d choose nibblies over dessert any day of the week! (unless the dessert was a pavlova… then I’d just have to eat both…)
We always like to serve a little something. Often times we are also serving wine, so it’s always good to have something for guests to munch on. I need to get better about keeping things on hand, so thank you for the ideas! Love your blog and your book!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is one area that I feel so inadequate. I did not grow up with an entertaining family…and I just don’t recall being served appetizers. However, in the area in which we now live…food seems to be more important….and many people serve appetizers. And seriously….I scoured the zines….everything seemed like so much work….I never knew what to serve….what was okay? And seriously…I really wanted the guests to focus and eat my meal. Sandy…you just made it sooo easy for me. And thanks for giving me permission to follow your example. Hugs!!
We are definitely appetizer ONLY folks too–the variety, simplicity, and casual feel of serving them is a favorite. The only time we think of having appetizers with a full meal is if the amount of entertaining time is spread over more than 4 hours.
Forget the meal…I LOVE appetizers! Love your blog girl…you are so the best!
I would sometimes like JUST appetizers…
Great post. I have to agree with Amanda. I am such a huge fan of appetizers and variety that I often opt to just serve appetizers…and plenty of them!
You know what I love to do? Have people over FOR appetizers. I love to have a pre-party. It breaks the ice for the evening. It’s easy to arrange and plan, and I have still opened up my home to my friends.
I do love appetizers but if I’m serving a big meal I don’t like to fill up before. Since I’m known for enjoying the appetizers and still eating the big meal it makes more sense for me to abstain serving appetizers.