Most often, when people begin planning cocktail parties, they focus on the main event--the cocktail. However, it is important to remember in your planning that nothing is worse that being hungry at a party. Food should be in abundance and placed on discreet and elegantly decorated platters, which can help to add ambiance to your party.

Ideal Cocktail Party Foods

Choosing foods to serve at your cocktail party can often be a daunting task. It is generally a good idea to stick to varieties that can be eaten in one or two bites. You will want conversation to flow and if your guests are focused on eating, dialogue will be slightly stilted. Savory appetites can be easily sated with the tried and true crudités and pre-cut cheese and crackers. Sweets can be bite-sized pastries, fruit or luscious chocolates.

If you are looking to add a dash of elegance to your party, try mixing in a few gourmet items. Include a selection of sushi rolls or fois gras pate. If you have a large food budget, try serving caviar canapés. These items will delight your guests and will ensure that your party is a memorable one.

Remember that the main goal of a good cocktail party is allowing people to make connections. Avoid having a main food table, since this will generally result in all of your guests standing in one place, talking over the cheese plate. Strategically place your sweet and savory delights in various corners of the room. This will encourage your guests to circulate among each other and naturally fall into conversations.