The Joy of Passed Hors d' Oeuvres

Seared Tuna Squares with a White Bean and Spring Pea “Salad” and Pea Shoots

The cocktail reception is a highly anticipated part of the wedding celebration and provides a chance for friends and family to mingle and catch up with one another while the wedding party finishes their obligatory photographs. It is also the timeframe that sets the stylistic and energetic tone for the wedding reception that is to follow. Food and beverage, party location, event timing, the bar, music, lighting, event design and food all contribute to producing a gracious experience for your guests. While there are many issues to consider when planning the cocktail hour there is one focus that they all have in common: the comfort and entertainment of your guests. Food and beverage ARE entertainment in and of themselves.

Serving a selection of cold and hot passed hors d'oeuvres is an ideal way to create a sense of excitement and drama (the good kind) before the reception. With a mix of stylishly presented comfort food favorites, classic bites and ethnic tastes, passed hors d'oeuvres are fantastic ice breakers! And, by the way, who doesn't love being served miniature food? If you are serving your guests buffet style or food stations then offering a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres will add a level of sophistication and style that will carry through the whole reception.

What's the most important consideration in choosing any hors d'oeuvres for your wedding? They've got to look so delicious you can't say NO, taste so fabulous that you want another, and be so easy to pick up that you look elegant while enjoying! Here are some of our favorites from the Max Hansen Kitchen:

I am Chef Max Hansen.   Our Delaware River Valley, including Bucks County and Hunterdon County, has abundant cultivated and wild food resources. We use a lot of regionally sourced gourmet foods and products at Max Hansen Caterer and at the Max Hansen Carversville Grocery. Follow me while I cook, forage, garden and meet and feed amazing people!