I've always been in favour of preparing some appetizers when you have guests over. You can often prepare them in advance, which allows you to be with your guests when they arrive, and I think that's a great way to start a lunch or dinner. If the group is large, I suggest serving a welcome cocktail or punch as well - it's a great icebreaker!
I always keep several things in mind when preparing appetizers:
- I prefer a more spacious presentation of the appetizers, so that each portion can breathe, rather than seeing the portions touching each other. This way you avoid the others touching each other when you pick one up.
- Each diner should be able to try each of the appetizers, so you know how many units of each appetizer you should have as a minimum. If you make more, I try to make them in even portions, although that will vary depending on the appetizer you are preparing.
- Simple is a success: I recommend using quality ingredients or winning combinations, without too many complications. A plate of ham will be a topic of conversation if it is top quality and well cut; or a mini-toast will leave guests surprised to see only a bit of cheese and nuts but tasting a delicious truffle flavour, thanks to that special oil you have put on it.
- Don't overdo it: There's no need to put too much seasoning on each serving. The important thing is to savour it and enjoy it. If you overdo it, bits will easily fall on the plate which won't make the presentation look good, or the diners will have difficulty eating it in a dignified and elegant manner. Don't make them go through that!
- Remember not to serve oily or saucy portions on wooden boards or plates without limits, or they could spill on the tablecloth.
Having discussed these few basic guidelines, it is time to see how they can be presented. The nature of the appetizer will give a good indication of how to do it. Here are some ideas.
If you are thinking of presenting cold cuts, I think a wooden board is always the best choice. You can play around by presenting them on a round board, a rectangular board, or an elongated board depending on the space or table you have. If you want to present cheeses, wood will undoubtedly be the best option if they need to be cut, but if you present them already cut, I would consider a marble stand , a rectangular tray or a nice plate , on which to present them with triangular cuts.
Le Creuset round mini-cocottes and Fleur de Ligne range of plates, bowls and trays from Tokyo Design
Bowls are useful for serving appetizers as well as sauces. They can help you turn your table into a burst of color or serve an elegant appetizer... That's why I've always thought that having pretty bowls that match your style is important. Mini ceramic cocottes are also useful for the same purpose. You can also present them on the table covered and open them immediately (especially in the case of hot appetizers, since they will help retain the heat), or leave them already presented with the lid half-covered, which looks cute and creates some intrigue about what's inside.
If you want to serve a sauce, jam or chutney , you can put the bowl in the middle of the board, tray or plate on which you have the toasts, crackers or cheeses that you plan to accompany it. Presenting everything on the same support, sauce and toast or similar, helps to make it clear what you intend to serve the sauce or chutney with. And remember to include a spoon in the bowl so that you can serve yourself!
If you make skewers, arrange them in parallel and well organized on a tray or plate . If you do it well or are careless, the presentation will be greatly affected. The same applies when serving sandwiches or canapés.
Green Cosmos serving trays from Tokyo Design , MasterClass baguette board and slate plates from Kitchen Craft
If you are looking for a different way to serve certain appetizers, slate stones can be very useful: some toasts well distributed there look original and well presented, and the contrast with the color of the stone makes them look even more beautiful.
Centerpieces are also original and practical ways to serve appetizers: everything is neatly arranged and well presented, without any further complications. And porcelain spoons are a good resource when you want to surprise with a delicate and elegant appetizer.
Tokyo Design Porcelain Spoon and Appetizer Centerpiece Masteclass
First impressions are important, and details count - or so I think! That's why I feel that starting the meal with some delicious and well-presented appetizers helps to relax the atmosphere and to set a good memory of the feast. I hope that these ideas will help the next guests at home think when they see the table: "What a meal awaits me!"
NOTE: We recently added several ranges of porcelain plates, bowls and trays from Tokyo Design Studio that I'm in love with. I invite you to take a look at them ( here ), they are ideal for appetizers.
