Hors d’oeuvres, pronounced (or-DERVZ), are small, savory appetizers served before or apart from a meal. Typically one or two bites in size, hors d’oeuvres can range from more formal canapés to a casual display of seasonal vegetable crudités.

Depending on your type of event and how many guests you have, you can either serve hors d’oeuvres by themselves, as a substitute for a meal; or you may choose to serve them as appetizers prior to a meal.

As for the question of how many hors d’oeuvres to serve, Jim Wharton, a caterer with New York Food Company offers the following advice:

Wedding Receptions

Hors d’oeuvres are regularly served at wedding receptions. A “cocktail hour” is appropriate for occasions where the bride and groom need extra time to get to the reception after the ceremony, or for longer receptions which include a meal. This gives the wedding guests plenty of time to socialize with light hors d’oeuvres and drinks while they’re waiting for the newlyweds to arrive. On the other hand, with smaller or shorter wedding receptions, or when there is no gap between the wedding and reception, a “cocktail reception,” where you’ll only serve hors d’oeuvres, might be a better fit.

For either type of reception, your guests (and you!) will appreciate having something to eat while they mingle. If you’re also serving alcoholic drinks, having enough food to absorb the alcohol is essential.

• Pecans and Cream Stuffed Mushrooms
• Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
• Chicken Skewers
• Beef Meatballs
• Apricot with Basil Goat Cheese

• Mini Bao Wows: Grilled and Marinated Steak with Soy Ginger Mayo on Mini Buns
• Ahi Nicoise Canapé: Roasted Potato Slice, Seared Ahi, Olive, Shaved Egg and Balsamic Reduction
• Local and Artisan Cheese Board: Choice of Cheeses from Local Cheese Makers and Fine Cheeses from Around the World
• Antipasti Platter: Grilled and Marinated Vegetables, Olives, Assorted Italian Meats and Cheeses
• Cascading Fresh Fruit Display: Fresh Melons, Pineapple, Grapes and Seasonal Berries

Whether you’re planning a formal or casual cocktail party, your guests will enjoy having hors d’oeuvres. Ideas for the types of hors d’oeuvres and how many you choose to serve are similar to those of a wedding reception.

• Grilled Scallops Wrapped in Prosciutto
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Caramelized Onion Tartlets
• Spicy Pecans
• Pot Stickers

Are you planning your company’s kickoff meeting or an end-of-year holiday gala? Once again, your employees and guests will enjoy having something to nibble on between meetings, or before dinner.

If your corporate event is on the elegant side, you can choose the same types of hors d’oeuvres as you would for a wedding reception or cocktail party.

Array of Mini Tartlets: Assorted Blue Cheese and Bacon, Mushroom Artichoke, Quiche

• Quesadillas: Chicken, Steak or Cheese with Salsa and Sour Cream
• Caprese Skewers: Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Display
• Spanikopita: Spinach and Feta Cheese in Phillo Dough Triangles
• Bruschetta Bar: Assortment of Italian Toppings with Toasted Baguette Slice