canapé
Fancy finger food
A canapé is a small decorative appetizer, typically a cracker or small piece of bread topped with savory ingredients like cheese, meat, or spreads.
Canapés are served at cocktail parties and receptions as finger food: The caterer prepared dozens of canapés for the event.
The word comes from French, where it means couch—the topping rests on its bread base like a person on a sofa.
Small savory appetizer
- appetizerLight dish preceding main
- nibbleSmall, tentative bite
- starterInitiator of action
- amuse-boucheComplimentary chef's tasting bite
crostini · blini · bruschetta · vol-au-vent · tartlet · crudité · tapas · meze
Seasoned meat paste
- caviarCured fish eggs
- cucumberCrisp edible gourd
- olivePitted briny fruit
- anchovySmall, salty forage fish
tomato · prosciutto · tapenade · mousse · gravlax · shrimp · crabmeat · brie
Act of receiving guests
- soiréeFormal nighttime social gathering
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- galaFestive formal occasion
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
wedding · fundraiser · networking · celebration · catering · entertaining · host · guests
Multi-seat cushioned furniture
- setteeSmall upholstered seating furniture
- couchUpholstered seating furniture
- divanArmless, backless seating
- loveseatTwo-person sofa
daybed · chesterfield · davenport · upholstered · tufted · cushion · armrest · backrest
hors-d'oeuvre
Small savory appetizer
amuse-bouche · crostini · blini · bruschetta · vol-au-vent · tartlet · crudité · tapas · meze · antipasto
pâté
Seasoned meat paste
anchovy · tomato · prosciutto · tapenade · mousse · gravlax · shrimp · crabmeat · brie · chutney
reception
Act of receiving guests
- soiréeFormal nighttime social gathering
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- galaFestive formal occasion
banquet · wedding · fundraiser · networking · celebration · catering · entertaining · host · guests · tray
sofa
Multi-seat cushioned furniture
- setteeSmall upholstered seating furniture
- couchUpholstered seating furniture
- divanArmless, backless seating
loveseat · daybed · chesterfield · davenport · upholstered · tufted · cushion · armrest · backrest · seating
connoisseur
Expert in matters of taste
- epicureLover of fine food
- gastronomeCulinary connoisseur
- artisanalMade by skilled craftspeople
delicacy · refined · sophisticated · exquisite · luxurious · upscale · chic · tasteful · opulent · presentation
canapémain course
Primary dish served
entrée · feast · hearty meal · banquet · repast