Food forms an integral part of a party or a celebration. If you are the host, you will definitely not wish to spend the entire time cooking and serving. And hence, the concept of finger foods was invented. As the name suggests, these are bite-sized foods that can be consumed directly using hands, without using cutlery. You can make batches of finger foods beforehand, and heat and serve later. If planning a party for a handful or large number of guests, the following ideas can be considered. Finger Foods for Parties Appetizers or finger foods should be planned such that they suit the occasions. For e.g., the classic cheese and olive platter or canapé platter can be a perfect food menu for formal parties. On the other hand, for informal occasions, you have a wide range of finger foods to choose from, right from pizzas, bruschetta to kebabs and puffs. Secondly, the number of people also to be taken into consideration while planning for party foods. For a smaller group, it is easier to make exotic finger foods like canapés or stuffed mushrooms. However, if planning a larger party at home, you can think of making foods that can be prepared beforehand or those that can be made in large numbers at single time. Making croquettes and patties beforehand and just frying/baking them later is a safe option. Desserts can be made ahead of time and served directly. ... for Kids' Parties Keep the food menu for a kids' party as simple as possible. You should plan for foods that are easy to eat, do not have a dripping gravy or sauces, and also do not smear hands too much.

• Finger sandwiches
• Pigs in a blanket
• Mini pizzas
• Cheese sticks/bites
• French fries
• Nachos and cheese
• Crackers and cheese
• Mini burgers
• Deviled eggs/stuffed eggs
• Cheese rolls
• Potato/chicken croquettes
• Chicken fingers/wings
• Assortment of breads with dips (cream cheese/guacamole)
• Mini tuna melts
• Crescent rolls
• Tomato/shrimp bruschetta
• Cheese wontons
• Cheese fritters
• Tortilla roll ups/wraps
• Fish fingers
• Fried macaroni balls
• Hotdogs
• Blue cheese bites
• Parmesan Spirals
• Mini frittatas
• Cheese celery
• Egg puffs

... for Adults' Parties The following ideas are not only easy to make, but, are also delectable. Go through them and choose the ones that suit your party theme, budget, as well as cooking duration.

• Cheese/chocolate fondue
• Dumplings/momos
• Mozzarella sticks
• Zucchini bites
• Chicken/shrimp skewers
• Chicken satay
• Stuffed calamari
• Crab/cheese/vegetable stuffed mushrooms
• Stuffed oysters
• Spanish omelet slices
• Chicken kebab
• Sausage rolls
• Chicken/beef samosa
• Chicken tikka
• Meatballs
• Smoked salmon canapes
• Assortment of cold sausage meats
• Hummus and pita
• Potstickers
• Cream cheese stuffed jalapenos
• Mini quiches
• Roast beef canapes
• Garlic mushrooms/sauteed mushrooms
• Crab cakes
• Chicken lollipop/nuggets
• Vegetable/chicken cutlets
• Chicken/vegetable patties
• Ricotta prosciutto crostini

Desserts No party is complete without desserts or cocktails. The following dessert ideas can be used for kids' as well as adults' parties. If planning for an adults' party, make sure that the wine or liqueur complements the food or dessert.

• Mini chocolate chip cookies
• Mini cupcakes
• Chocolate covered strawberries
• Chocolate cheese balls
• Fruit treats
• Rum balls
• Peanut butter balls
• Cheesecake
• Jam cookies/jam pennies
• Chocolate truffles
• Cake pops
• Mini-financiers
• Chocolate dipped biscotti
• Cream/chocolate cream puffs
• Chocolate meringues
• Fruit gelee

So, for your next party, plan for the best buffet, look for interesting recipes with exciting variations, and you will surely enjoy the best compliments. Good luck!