There are probably thousands of types of appetizers or hors d' oeuvres served by American caterers. Choices run the gamut of ethnic and American cuisines. Any given caterer usually has about 50 different items in their repertoire. And some caterers will have at least one specialty appetizer that is created with proprietary ingredients or methods. Of course presentation on the platter can make the same finger food look more appetizing when offered by one caterer over another so the best tasting food won't always be what you choose.

Think about an evening wedding or other event where food is served. Often there is a cocktail hour held before the formal sit-down meal. Finger foods are provided so that guests can chat with a drink in one hand, and a tasty tidbit in the other. Who needs plates and forks? And then, the guests move to another room for the formal meal.

It is acceptable to do things differently, if you wish. Many hosts are shying away from providing a plated meal after the cocktail hour. Instead, they give a lavish appetizer buffet or passed hors d'oeuvres or both, lasting for the entire event. The guests leave sated, fewer servers are needed and fewer dishes need to be cleaned as you can use high quality disposables.  This works even if you still have the same table set up for guest seating that would be at a "sit-down" event.

While it may be painstaking to make each individual bites and have them look perfect and delectable, creating a formal served meal also has its challenges and is typically more expensive.  So, you can merely tease your guests with appetizers, or go the distance and make the meal incredibly exciting by serving finger foods exclusively.

Read more about appetizers at All About Appetizers