Hey, party fans! Here’s how to turn ordinary small bites into impressive party appetizers for your next shindig. You can thank me later.

When I think about the last eight years, it feels a bit like the best and worst of times. I’ve written seven books (two others were written prior to that period). I started a cookbook club that was so much fun. I began teaching. And my career shifted in ways I never imagined. At the same time, the global pandemic changed everything. Writing books became an isolating activity. The cookbook club dissolved. Teaching and work went remote and then returned to in-person, but it was so jarring.
All of this is to say that right as I was beginning to explore entertaining more, everything changed. And now it’s changing again. I’m not sad about that.
Among the books I wrote in the last eight years was the Easy Appetizer Cookbook, a collection of recipes for elegant appetizers perfect for parties, gatherings and other shindigs. I wrote it with small bites in mind, and reach for it often when I have guests coming.
One of the most important things I’ve learned — and told others — is that creative appetizer ideas don’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. In fact, simple appetizers that look impressive are all about the right presentation.
Basics of Impressive Appetizers

- Start with the best ingredients you can. This is a basic tenet of all cooking. If you start with fresh, quality ingredients, the food will taste better. That’s why a simple tomato salad dressed with oil and vinegar and herbs is lovely in the late summer when local tomatoes are ripe. Come winter, that same salad won’t carry the same flavor punch though.
- Mix up your flavors and textures. Varied flavors will make your appetizer spread more exciting. Salty and sweet, savory and tangy, spicy and creamy — not to mention smooth and crunchy, creamy and crispy — provide contrasts that make dishes more interesting.
- Pay attention to colors. There’s a reason that chefs garnish dishes with vibrant green herbs. Varying the colors — and including some bright colors of varying shades — creates more visual interest. When you are prepping appetizers, including bright vegetables like carrots, bell peppers and tomatoes can make the spread prettier (and more photo-worthy!).
- Keep it simple. When it comes to your appetizer spread, less is more. That means you don’t need dozens of dishes for the spread to be impressive. An option or three is often enough.
It’s All in the Presentation

Ready to get into the details? Once you’ve chosen your one to three appetizers, it’s time to think about how you will present it. The prettier the presentation, the more impressive appetizers you’ll be serving.
Interesting wooden boards, colorful platters and cool bowls always look good on a table. You could go the single serving route with shot glasses or individual spoons, but that’s not necessary (and can look fussy and less inviting).
Don’t forget the pretty serving spoons, forks, etc. These will ensure your guests can access the food without stress.
And finish everything off with a little garnish. A sprinkle of herbs or drizzle of the right sauce can take an appetizer from ordinary to extraordinary.
Simple Yet Impressive Appetizer Ideas

- Go with a Board — From cheese and charcuterie boards to breakfast-inspired boards, this is a simple and easy way to showcase a simple, elegant, delicious spread. Don’t forget to include an assortment of jam, honey, crackers, bread, fruit and olives.
- Get Dipping — One dip. Many dippers. Whether you are whipping up easy Garlic Sage White Bean Dip or simply spooning your favorite hummus into a bowl, a dip with cut veggies, chips or crackers can be a pretty, colorful and easy addition to an appetizer spread.
- Put It on a Stick — From Chicken Satay to creative kabobs, foods on sticks are fun and easy for serving at parties. Importantly, they also look pretty festive too.
- Stuff It — Another easy, creative, pretty appetizer is anything stuffed. Think stuffed mini sweet peppers, lobster stuffed mushrooms, and mini twice baked potatoes.
Time-Saving Tips for Impressive Appetizers
One of the most important parts of entertaining is being relaxed and affable with guests. Taking the stress out of entertaining and food will help with that. Good planning and preparation will help with this.
- Plan early — the sooner you decide what you’re serving, the better.
- Only make 1-2 recipes day of — combining toss together options like hummus and veggies with one to two hot, prepared appetizers will make it easier.
- Don’t be afraid to supplement with store bought foods — you seriously don’t have to make the dip from scratch. And if you’re in a real time crunch, you can buy already cut veggies.
- Drop a dish if it gets hectic — here’s the thing: only you know if you aren’t serving everything you planned. So it’s okay to nix a dish if you’re running short on time. Then you can spend more time on presentation of what you did make.
- Go pretty — people eat with their eyes first, so pay attention to presentation.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
What will your guests be sipping? This is an important consideration. Make sure to offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. I typically will have a couple of wines, seltzer, sparkling lemonade and water available with sliced lemons and limes for dropping in.
Ready to party? Get planning and have a wonderful time!