Top Seven Guide for Eating Appetizers

1. Appetizer is a broad word used for three different types of food:

Appetizers eaten with the fingers are canapés
Appetizers eaten with a knife and fork are hors d'oeuvres
Appetizers (usually fruits or vegetables) dipped in sauce of any kind are crudités

2. What to do with the toothpicks used in many canapés and crudités baffles lots of us. I've watched men putting them in their pockets (and in potted plants!), women putting them in their purses, and men and women both putting them back on the tray the next time the server circles the room. There is a better way.

First, if you're the hostess, plan food that is toothpick-free. (They really are a nuisance.) If you're favorite party food requires toothpicks, make sure to place several receptacles (baskets or trays) around the room. For guests, if there are no receptacles, wrap the toothpicks in your napkin and dispose of them in the nearest trash can or the bathroom wastebasket.

3. Whether appetizers are being passed on trays or you're helping yourself from a buffet, if you're taking only one or two at a time, a napkin will fill-in nicely for a plate. With three or more items, a plate is necessary.

4. Two great things to keep in mind while at the buffet table. After helping yourself, step back at least four steps to avoid eating over the table or blocking others. Also, pleasantries are fine by the buffet table; engaging in a full conversation tends to block the flow and can cause others the uncomfortable feeling of intruding on your conversation when they come to sample the food.

5. Transfer all foods including dips first to your plate and then to your mouth. Even though a one-bite food means you'll never be guilty of double-dipping, it's considered good manners for anything you're eating to touch your plate prior to it reaching your lips!

6. Before popping gooey appetizers of any kind in your mouth, hold the foods slightly above your plate and silently count to three. That brief delay will ensure any drippage ends up on your plate and not your tie, shirt, or blouse.

7. When at a formal event where the tables are set for dinner, appetizers are meant to be enjoyed away from the table. It's gracious to allow all the guests to see a clean table when they sit down to enjoy dinner with you.