12 Savvy Ways to Serve Finger Foods

Marinated Mozzarella

Fresh rosemary stems not only add flavor but also provide the perfect way to pick up the cubes of mozzarella.

Recipe: Marinated Mozzarella

Cheese Straws

When you're not using your silver julep cups for bourbon cocktails, turn them into festive serving containers for cheese straws. Line each cup with a linen napkin to keep the cheese straws upright in the cup and to prevent salt and oils from contact with the silver.

Recipe: Cheese Straws

Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites

Decorative glass jars are great for food gifts, but they're also a fun way to present and serve treats on a holiday dessert table. Buy jars with lids to match your table setting theme or decorate your own jars with ribbon, raffia or fabric.

Recipe: Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites

Gorgonzola Truffles

Sometimes the perfect serving piece is right in your kitchen. Pull out a wooden cutting board for a casual yet artful arrangement of fruits and cheeses.

Recipe: Gorgonzola Truffles

Espresso Truffles

Serving fudgy truffles in miniature paper liners creates visual interest and allows your guests to pick up the candy without getting chocolate on their fingers.

Recipe: Espresso Truffles

Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches

There's no time like the present to get out those silver trays you received as wedding gifts and use them for serving party sandwiches. Nothing dresses up a table better than silver, so don't wait for a formal occasion to show your style.

Recipe: Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches

Mini Caprese Bites

Place fresh mozzarella cheese balls, grape tomato halves and basil on short wooden skewers, and serve in stemless wine glasses for an easy and colorful presentation.

Recipe: Mini Caprese Bites

Corn Bread Bites

For a casual gathering, consider serving these bite-size corn bread muffins directly from the baking pan. Loosen the muffins from the pan to make it easier for guests to pick up with their fingers. This way of serving the bread works great for a "top-your-own chili" party or a soup bar in the kitchen.

Recipe: Corn Bread Bites

Feta Cheese Truffles

Rather than a presenting a platter full of the same item, use a dish with compartments and place small portions of different kinds of finger foods in each section. Include an easy-to-pick up cheese appetizer along with roasted nuts, olives, and fresh veggies.

Recipe: Feta Cheese Truffles

Bite-Size Honey Popcorn Balls

Bag up these mini-popcorn balls in small paper bags, and arrange the bags on a tray with a piece of ribbon. Look for small bags to match your party theme at craft stores or in the gift wrap section of variety stores.

Recipe: Bite-Size Honey Popcorn Balls

Tofu Bites

When it comes to serving finger foods, don't forget the standbys such as colorful wooden picks. There's no reason to make things hard.

Recipe: Tofu Bites

Walnut Brittle

Although festive holiday tins are usually reserved for food gifts, there's certainly nothing wrong with using them as serving containers. It's a great way to add a festive holiday theme to the table without spending a fortune on serving pieces. Line the tin with a square of parchment paper and fill it up with candy or cookies.

Recipe: Walnut Brittle

More Party Food

Turn to these recipes collections when you need more recipes and ideas for entertaining:

• 15 Easiest Finger Foods Ever
• Our Best Portable Appetizers (pictured at left)
• Appetizer Recipes for Every Occasion
• 10 Favorite Chips and Dips Appetizers
• Dessert Recipes
• No-Bake Holiday Desserts
• 8 Make-Ahead Desserts