To Begin a Great Evening

The opening of the evening is ideal for mingling your favorite interesting friends. The transition period between day and night is also a good time for mixing a tennis partner, the chairman of the board, your favorite aunt, your college roommate who just opened to rave reviews on Broadway, a princess or two, an industrial giant, the bass player in the string quartet, and your next-door neighbor. For all of them, you’ll want your menu to be very special.

Herewith a collection of our favorite hors d’oeuvres. Many are “finger food,” easily eaten while standing—perfect at a cocktail party. Others are more elaborate, requiring a small plate and a fork. These are the sturdier foods we serve as part of a cocktail buffet. Finally, we’ve also presented more elegant and involved appetizers, best suited as sit-down openers to a dinner party.