What to have at hors d'oeuvre/cocktail reception??!!

misscait21

Hi! My FH and I are having a private ceremony then a big hor d'oeuvre/cocktail party. We plan on having continuous heavy hor d'oeuvre's to replace a sit down down>>> cocktail party. We want to skip the tradition part & just get to the party part. We estimate about 100 people will be in attendence. So far we have decided to go with: Mini Crabcakes, Shrimp cocktail, mini filet mingon sandwiches, hot mushroom dip, vegetable station, fruit, candy bar, desert station, Haven't figured out all of the othe selections are yet (will be 4-5 more selections-- like mini egg rolls, or something ?? Ideas would be appreciated for the remaining selections!  Also, I would like to supplement all of this with some kind of make-you-own bar. I don't go want to go with pasta, I was thinking maybe baked potato bar, i really don't know what else would work well, any idea or experience/advice would be much appreciated!! Thanks!

Maggie0829

Maybe instead of a baked potato bar, do a mashed potato bar.  It will be a lot easier for guests to eat then having to cut up the baked potato.  Or what about a risotto bar?  It is definitely a bit different then a potato or pasta bar.

For this type of event you definitely want at least 15-18 pieces per person, if not more to help equal out a meal (and that should not include the candy or desert station)

Here is a list of 70+ apps (ranging from fancy to not-so-fancy but still really tasty) to help give you some ideas...
http://tipnut.com/appetizer-recipes/

Sue-n-Kevin

The list of items you've mentioned almost all have meat or fish. There's only one thing mentioned (other than the potato bar) that would be fit for a vegan. I'm personally not a vegan, but now that my son is dating one, and she has visited us, I've become more in tune with it.

Maybe a salad bar? I don't eat a lot of salads at home, but when I eat out, or have a chance to have salads, I love to make one with all my favorite ingredients. Just a thought.

I had an appetizer at a party once, that I've made at home, that is baked parmesan cheese crisps (simply small grated parmesan piles baked on parchment paper) with spreadable blue cheese (mixed with cream cheese) and a pecan and dried cherry on top that is out of this world. I'm sure your caterer could do this, and it's ok for a vegan. They are time consuming, so not sure what a caterer would charge, but they are really scrumptious.

NOLAbridealmost

I love mini eggrolls! I vote for that! And a mashed potato bar; that's incredibly filling and always a huge, huge crowd pleaser. 

What about spanakopita, mini quiche (both vegetarian and with meat) and an assortment of cheese?  That would round things out for people who don't eat meat and will also be yummy options for the meat lovers. 

TiffanysEngaged

Vegans will not be able to eat most of the options that were just mentioned that contain cheese or eggs (or any animal products). I would suggest doing something like a mini veggie spring roll or sushi roll.  You can also suppliment tofu for meat in many of the hors d'oeuvres you mentioned.  Let me know if you would like recipes or more suggestions for the vegetarians/vegans!