Appetizers as a Main Dish

Many parties and events aren't setup for a full meal service. Sometimes there aren't tables for sitting and eating, the event takes place at an awkward time in the day, or the event is simply not long enough to warrant full meal service. Appetizer trays are perfect for occasions such as these. Sometimes a little taste of everything can be better than any big meal. For a party or event where people will be on their feet, appetizer trays offer tastes and treats to dazzle your guests without weighing them down.

Often refereed to as hors d'oeuvres, plates of small (often bite size) appetizers are great for certain occasions. Especially at events where guests will be on their feet and mingling with others, hors d'oeuvres allow everyone to satiate their hunger without being encumbered by large plates or overly full bellies. This works especially well at short afternoon events or for quick business functions at the end of the day. Casually served appetizers all for your event to proceed without all the distractions a large meal or banquet can bring.

Hors d'oeuvres also have another benefit over full meals, variety. Catering companies like Isaac's Catering offer many different options for appetizers such as Miniature Lump Back Fin Crab Cakes with Roasted Garlic Aioli, Mushroom Caps Stuffed with Italian Sausage, Beef Skewers with Teriyaki and BBQ Sauce, Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche served on Won Ton Spoons and Jicama Triangles with Spicy Crab Meat Salad. It would almost be impossible to get this much variety in a single meal at a restaurant or regular party. A party or event of appetizers can not only be convenient but full of variety and flavor.

Choices for Your Catering

When it comes to catering, the most important decision to make is what person or company will be handling your order. No matter what the event, you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly, the food is delicious, and the guests are pleased with their choices. So once someone is set to cater, the next decision is the type of meal that will be served.

Hors d'oeuvres

If you are planning something casual, you may just be looking for finger foods and appetizers. In this case, you will be able to make several different selections and have them out for the duration of the party or meeting. You can also choose to have the catering company bring waiters to make sure that your guests are always just an arm's reach away from any of the choices. For more casual events, you may just stop by and pick up trays of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables to be placed on a table for guests to enjoy.

Buffet Style

For larger events, many times catering companies offer a buffet style meal. This works well when the number of guests is a little uncertain. You may have some idea of how many are going to be there, but not down to the specific number. Here guests go down a line of tables and make their choices from some of the things you have chosen to have out. Here each guest gets what they want and they can choose to eat more or less than you may have expected.

Set Menu

In some cases, especially more formal events, a catering company may have a set menu with a soup/salad, appetizer and entree. For weddings, the cake is typically the desert, however other desserts can be ordered as well. Each person receives the same meal and is served each part of it at the same time as all of the other guests. While this is typically more expensive that the above options, it does make it a little easier to have everyone getting the same thing.