Hosting an All Appetizers or Heavy Hors d’oeuvres Event

Did you know there’s actually a difference between hors d’oeuvres and appetizers? While they’re often used interchangeably, technically, hors d’oeuvres are bite-sized, savory foods served before a meal, like nuts, crudités, fruit, and cheeses. Appetizers, on the other hand, are served at the table as a first course, meant to complement the main meal—think soups and salads.

But in today’s catering world, that distinction has faded. More and more hosts are opting for all-appetizers or heavy hors d’oeuvres events, where small bites take center stage. These cocktail party-style gatherings encourage mingling, interaction, and movement, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

At Messina’s Catering & Events, we specialize in crafting unforgettable all-appetizer menus that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Here are our tips on how to plan a successful appetizer-only event.

Offer a Variety of Appetizers

An all-appetizer event is like a tasting experience, allowing guests to sample various flavors. To make it feel balanced and satisfying, think of your selections as a five-course meal in miniature form.

Include a mix of proteins, starches, veggies, and fruits.
Offer a combination of hot and cold dishes.
Consider the time of day, guest count, and event style when selecting.

Your caterer can help tailor the menu to fit your vision while showcasing their culinary expertise.

Mix Up Passed and Displayed Hors d’Oeuvres

Various serving styles will keep things interesting and ensure guests always have something delicious within reach.

Passed Hors d’Oeuvres

Servers can circulate the room with bite-sized delights that make mingling easy. Some crowd favorites include:

Mini Beef Wellington Bites
Warm Miniature Muffuletta Sandwiches
Duck on Endive
Salmon Mousse Deviled Eggs
Soup Shooters
Antipasto Skewers
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Mini Crème Brûlée & Dessert Shooters

Displayed Appetizers

Food stations create a focal point and give guests a chance to graze. Consider:

Charcuterie Displays – Assorted cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables
Seafood Towers – Shrimp cocktail, oysters, and smoked salmon
Bruschetta & Tapenade Boards – Fresh baguettes with a variety of toppings

Place displays throughout the venue to encourage movement rather than having guests cluster in one spot.

Consider Interactive Appetizer Stations

Small plates and tapas-style servings have been a hit in recent years, and they work beautifully for an all-appetizer event. Instead of traditional buffets, chef-attended stations add an interactive and visual element.

Popular options include:

Taco & Quesadilla Bars – Guests build their own creations with fresh toppings.
Custom Pasta Stations – Chefs toss pasta to order with various sauces and add-ins.
Carving Stations – Perfect for a heartier touch, featuring roasted meats sliced to order.

These action stations not only provide fresh, made-to-order bites but also serve as entertainment.

Plan the Right Quantity of Food

Wondering how many hors d’oeuvres to serve? Here’s a quick guide based on event size:

10-12 guests: 5 selections
25 guests: 9 selections
50 guests: 13 selections

For portion sizes, plan based on the event length and timing:

During mealtime: 12-15 pieces per guest
Between meals: 8-10 pieces per guest
Long events (4+ hours): Add 2 extra pieces per guest per hour

Your caterer can help fine-tune the numbers to make sure everyone leaves satisfied.

Optimize Your Venue for a Seamless Flow

The proper venue layout can make or break an all-appetizer event. Keep these logistics in mind:

Encourage movement by placing bars, food stations, and seating areas in different spots.
If hosting at home, use both indoor and outdoor spaces (weather permitting) to spread guests out.
Ensure your caterer has adequate prep space to keep the service running smoothly.

New Orleans is full of unique venues, from historic mansions and scenic courtyards to modern rooftops and chic industrial spaces. The proper venue can enhance an event but must be chosen strategically based on the event type.

Host an Unforgettable All-Appetizer Event with Messina’s

An all-appetizers or heavy hors d’oeuvres event is the perfect way to create a fun, social, and delicious experience for your guests. From distinctive private events in historic buildings and stylish in-home catered events to prestigious food and music festivals and everything in between….Messina’s successfully caters life’s special occasions. Our award-winning team focuses on providing the personal attention and authentic New Orleans hospitality our clients have come to expect from our family for the past 60 years.