Hors d'oeuvre Rececption

Second only to the cake and punch reception, an hor d'oeuvre (or, appetizer) reception may be the simplest and least expensive to tackle. Your guests will not go hungry, and most of these finger foods require little or no preparation. Ready-made foods purchased from the grocery or bulk foods store are a good option when prep time or individuals willing to prepare food is an issue.

Foods that can be purchased ready-made:

Sliced deli-spirals can be purchased in the frozen foods

• Vegetable tray with dip
• Fruit tray with dip
• Meat, cheese, and cracker tray
• Pasta salad
• Cheese ball or cheese log with crackers
• Sandwich tray
• Sliced deli-spiral wraps
• Salad
• Chips and salsa
• Stuffed olives

Warm pastries filled with spinach and cheese
will delight your guests. Purchased frozen,
they require just a few minutes of baking
and are ready to serve

Be sure to call at least a week in advance and let your grocer know how many of each item you will be needing. That way the store will have all items on hand when you are ready to pick them up. 

Penny-pinching tip: All of the above foods can be prepared at home for less than the ready-made price. If you, your friends or family have the time and the willingness, prices may be cut in half.

Foods that require minimal preparation:

• Cocktail Weiners
• Meatballs in marinara sauce
• Quiches
• Hot pastries

Any combination of these items will earn you a fabulous hors d'oeuvre reception!