Top five tips for a canape party

We here at Con Gusto Catering have seen a fair few canape parties in our time, so we thought we might share our two cents about them, and our 5 tips for holding one yourself. Whether your holding a corporate party and need some delicious canapes or if your holding a private party in your home, canapes are the perfect way to make your guests feel at home, comfortable, and to add a little elegance to your event.

1.) Choose a selection of canapes to suit all tastes:
Don't just choose your favourite canapes, think about your guests and if there are children.  It is usually best to choose a selection of vegetarian, fish and meat canapes so all tastes are catered for.

2.) Make sure you order enough:
Typically 5-6 canapes per person is just right.  Canapes are designed to keep people happy at parties and to give something to nibble on before the main meal.  If you order too few, your guests may be left feeling hungry, and if you order too many your guests may not have room for their meal later.  

3.) Make sure you have something nice to drink with them:
Canapes are best served with a glass of prosecco or champagne, or a nice non-alcoholic beverage such as elderflower cordial.  Whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic is really is important to provide your guests with something to drink first.

4. ) When to serve them? 
 Canapes are great served at the beginning of your event to make sure your guests feel comfortable and to get people talking. Usually 15 minutes after people have arrived is just right - it's probably best they have time to put down their coats before they start to enjoy your delicious canapes.   

5.) Savoury or sweet? 
Typically, savoury canapes are a sophisticated way to anticipate a later meal whereas if your event is just canapes and drinks, a selection of savoury and then sweet is desirable.  Sweet canapes add a lovely extra touch to the end of an event and leave guests feeling satisfied

Con Gusto Catering - impress your guests with a Cornish lobster tart served with orange, rocket, dill and caramelized shallots.