How to Display Food for a Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are enjoying a renaissance, and it's about time. Few adult pleasures compare to getting all dressed up to enjoy an evening of finger foods, cocktails and conversation. You intend to look your best, and your table should, too. Taking the time to display cocktail party food in clever, thoughtful ways shows your guests that you care enough to go the extra step. Displaying appetizers takes a little thought, but when you present finger food as edible art, you get the party started. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose finger foods that will not spoil and do not need to be hot or cold. Make sure that you have many different colors, sizes, textures and flavors to create a more interesting table, not only in looks but also in taste.

2

Present the foods at different heights. Place a tablecloth on the main serving table. Place a second one top. Your tablecloths can be the same color and pattern or contrasting or coordinating ones. Slide upturned bowls, pots and steady baskets in between the two tablecloths, and arrange the folds around their bases to make hidden pedestals. Place trays, bowls and baskets on top for a more visually interesting table.

3

Serve the finger foods in bowls, baskets, trays and platters of varying sizes, shapes and materials. For example, put crackers in a napkin-lined bowl or basket. Fan sliced cheeses in a layered circle on a round platter, and place a small bowl of mixed green, red and pink grapes in the center. Arrange small puffs and quiches in straight rows or a checkerboard pattern on a rectangular tray. Use giant brandy snifters as a fancy way to serve Chex Mix or chips, and put olives in an oversized martini glass.

4

Go crazy with garnishes. Place edible flowers among the sliced cheeses. Parsley is a wonderful bed for phyllo cups. Radish mice and roses are easy to make and serve as a cute garnish at the edge of a tray.

5

Mix and match as you place the foods on the table. Put sliced cheeses on one side of the table and soft cheeses on the other, rather than arranging all of the cheeses together. Make sure to put crackers or bread near them both.

6

Arrange dips and other messy foods around the edges of the table, with the more effortless foods in the center. Put out enough cheese knives, tongs and other servers before the guests arrive; the prettier or more whimsical, the better.

7

Finish decorating by arranging flowers or other decorative items on the table. Christmas ornaments, party favors and other items work wonderfully to complement the display of food on a table.

8

Put small, folded cards in front of each food, stating what it is. If you have guests who are vegetarian, lactose intolerant or allergic to peanuts, menu cards can help guide their choices.