I think I would start with a soup or beverage in a mug - even mulled cider would be nice, especially if they are coming in from the cold.

Next would come some nibbles: toasted nuts, a cheese ball or spread with crackers, a selection of olives and some cheese straws.

Then I would put out your cucumber cup with seafood mousse, green chile bites, chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce, crab cakes, and might I suggest thinly sliced roast beef on toast croutons with Mediterranean Relish? That would be less prep than the wellington. Maybe add something spicy with a kick to it and something in a pastry, filo, or pie crust.

Are you doing dessert as well? You need to have something chocolate and some fresh fruit - the other selections can be anything and everything....cookies, petit fours, mints, several bar cookies, you could even do a chocolate fondue with fruit, pound cake, dried fruit, etc. for dipping.

Sounds like a wonderful idea for a party! I love appetizers!

Sounds lovely, I love appetizers!

I add a cheese based appetizer or two and eliminate one of the meats. I'd also be leary of anything requiring a dipping sauce as they can be tricky to serve if you are passing the appetizers and the quests are standing. Also think that something with a zip to it may be nice.

Here are two recipes I have great luck with.

Spanikopita

16 Oz Phyllo Dough Thawed in the fridge For 24 Hours
10 Oz Frozen Spinach Thawed and drained
3/4 Lb Feta Cheese
1/2 Lb Cottage Cheese - About 1 Cup, Pressed And Drained
1/4 lb Cream Cheese Softened
3 Eggs
1/4 Cup Fresh Dill Chopped Fine
Salt
Pepper
dash of Nutmeg
3/4 Cup Butter Melted

In large bowl combine all ingredients except phylo and butter.

Working with one sheet of phylo at a time, brush with melted butter and cut in 5 strips lengthwise. Place 1 spoonful of~
mixture at the bottom of each strip about 1 inch from the bottom, fold the bottom piece up over the filling and then fold up into triangles. Fold like you fold a flag, to the left, up , to the right ,up etc.

These can be made ahead and frozen for up to three months.

When ready to cook:P lace frozen Spanikopita on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm

Salt Baked Potatoes With Goat Cheese

3 Cups Kosher Salt
18 Small New Potatoes Halved And Scooped Out Slightly
2 1/2 TBSP Olive Oil
3 Cloves Garlic Minced
14 Oz Goat Cheese At Room Temp
4 Tsp Fresh Thyme
Fresh Ground Pepper To Taste
Basil Leaves For Garnish
Preheat oven to 400

Spread salt on the bottom of an extra large baking dish. Toss potatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Press potatoes cut side up in salt. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until tender. Remove potatoes and scrap off excess salt. Place potatoes on a clean baking sheet.

Turn on the broiler. Heat remaining 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil. Saute the garlic until tender Transfer to a medium sized bowl, add cheese, thyme and pepper. Stir to combine. Fill each potato with the goat cheese. Broil for 1 minute or until bubbling. Serve garnished with basil.

Oh I love appetizer parties! We like to do at least one real "cocktail" party a year. Last year we did all tapas to christen the new kitchen but that was labor intensive & I did a lot of the work while the party was going on.

I like to use make aheads like potstickers (which can be steamed) and vietnamese spring rolls. Crostini with tapenade. Crawfish or shrimp balls. Crawfish bread (it's liek a cajun stromboli). A huge antipasto platter with cheese, olives, meats & roast vegetables. Satay is a great idea. I've also done small pizzas with unusual toppings (seafood or artichoke and goat cheese).

You can also find a zillion recipes on epicurious if you search under appetizer.

Oh now I want to have another cocktail party!

Nina

Forgot to mention one I am dying to try.

Meatball Sliders are all the rage right now. The were on the front cover of Bob Appetit's "Restaurant Issue"

Basically they are mini meatballs topped with parm shavings, a bit of marinara, some arugula ( I would use a basil leaf) and served inside a sliced mini bun ( I would serve in homemade savory profiteroles or gougere

Here is a link that might be useful: ini Meat ball sliders

"Bob Appetite"?...I think I know him....and his first cousin "Fred Cooking"....actually I am related! LOL!
Do you envision all finger foods, or some with a plate and fork?
Linda C

I make these stuffed cherry tomatoes all the time; you just pop them in your mouth. LOL

Cherry Tomatoes Filled with Smoked Salmon Mousse

60 Red, firm cherry tomatoes (about 2 pints)
Smoked Salmon Mousse
Garnish
Fresh dill

Slice the tops off the cherry tomatoes and hollow out with a melon-ball scoop or small spoon; pipe the salmon mousse inside and garnish with the fresh dill

Smoked Salmon-Mousse
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2 ounces smoked salmon
few drops of lemon juice
2 to 3 tblps heavy cream
Combine the mousse ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Chill at least 30 mins.
If you prefer you can use the Philly Cream cheese with the salmon in already prepared, but I like the fresh.
Source: Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Cookbook.

Linda

Appetizer parties are a wonderful way to entertain. IÂd suggest starting with a cup of homemade consommé. For decades, that was the first course of choice and itÂs still great to see peopleÂs expressions of delight when they take the first taste.

IÂd include one substantial "anchor" thatÂs a little more filling, like roasted or grilled beef or pork tenderloin to thinly slice for sandwiches on silver dollar rolls and serve with an assortment of mustards and horseradish sauces.

The cucumber cups and other ideas you posted sound perfect.

Thank you all for the great ideas and support for my ideas. I think I'll be able to put together some really nice items to make evryone happy. It's an important party for them, they would really like to have a great time with their friends. Thank you.