canapes
Cocktail hour nibbles
Canapés are small, decorative appetizers served at parties and receptions—typically a cracker, toast point, or small bread round topped with savory spreads, meats, or garnishes.
The word comes from French for couch or sofa, the base supporting whatever sits atop it.
The caterer prepared trays of canapés for the cocktail hour.
Small savory pre-meal bites
- finger foodUtensil-free small bites
- startersThings that initiate
- antipastoItalian appetizer course
- mezeMiddle Eastern appetizer spread
tapas · amuse-bouche · bruschetta · crostini · nibbles · crudités · aperitif · dim sum
Cured, preserved fish fillet
- caviarCured fish eggs
- pâtéSeasoned meat paste
- foie grasFattened waterfowl liver
- cream cheeseSoft spreadable dairy product
charcuterie · prosciutto · gravlax · mousse · tapenade · hummus · guacamole · ceviche
Drinks-focused social gathering
- receptionAct of receiving guests
- soiréeFormal nighttime social gathering
- galaFestive formal occasion
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
catering · buffet · entertaining · host · gathering · celebration · black-tie · fundraiser
Small enough for one mouthful
- miniatureReduced-scale representation
- morselSmall piece of food
- daintyDelicately small and pretty
- garnishedDecorated for presentation
toothpick · platter · tiered · arranged · decorative · colorful · elegant · piped
Toasted Italian appetizer bread
- bliniSlavic buckwheat cakes
- toast pointsTriangular toasted bread slices
- crackersCrispy flat biscuits
- puff pastryLaminated dough with layers
vol-au-vent · phyllo · croustade · brioche · choux · flatbread · rye bread
hors d'oeuvres
Small savory pre-meal bites
- finger foodUtensil-free small bites
- startersThings that initiate
- antipastoItalian appetizer course
meze · tapas · amuse-bouche · bruschetta · crostini · nibbles · crudités · aperitif · dim sum · banchan
smoked salmon
Cured, preserved fish fillet
cream cheese · charcuterie · prosciutto · gravlax · mousse · tapenade · hummus · guacamole · ceviche · shrimp
cocktail party
Drinks-focused social gathering
wedding · catering · buffet · entertaining · host · gathering · celebration · black-tie · fundraiser · corporate event
bite-sized
Small enough for one mouthful
garnished · toothpick · platter · tiered · arranged · decorative · colorful · elegant · piped · topped
crostini
Toasted Italian appetizer bread
- bliniSlavic buckwheat cakes
- toast pointsTriangular toasted bread slices
- crackersCrispy flat biscuits
puff pastry · vol-au-vent · phyllo · croustade · brioche · choux · flatbread · rye bread
- appetizersmozzarella sticks, bruschetta, buffalo wings, nachos, spring rolls
- banquet foodprime rib, beef tenderloin, filet mignon, roast beef, rack of lamb
- garden partiesgarden party, lawn chairs, patio furniture, gazebo, gazebos
- high societygossip, socialites, socialite, aristocrats, aristocrat
- party foodbirthday cake, cake, appetizers, finger food, hors d'oeuvres
- food extrasappetizers, dips, spreads, snacks, finger foods
canapesmain course
Primary dish served
entrée · main dish · roast dinner · dessert · meat and potatoes
canapesfeast
Elaborate ceremonial meal
main course · entrée · banquet · full plate · hearty meal
canapescomfort food
Emotionally consoling dishes
home cooking · fast food · TV dinner · leftovers · snack food