Heavy Hors d’oeuvres Events are More Appetizing Than Ever.

You’ve been able to exercise and diet your way into that perfect little black dress or your ten-year-old tux to look great at that special event at the posh vintage New Orleans event venue, The Rooftop on Basin. Fortunately when you arrive, you notice the decadence offered by the expert chefs all come in the perfect portions. Hosting an all-appetizer/heavy Hors d’oeuvres event at The Rooftop on Basin is the ideal way to give guests the opportunity to graze and to socialize throughout the event.

Be Adventurous in Your Choice of Appetizers.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres parties can serve as an adventurous tasting event, enabling guests to try an assortment of delicacies. Opt for savory and sweet flavor combinations, varying colors and textures, and a mix of hot and cold menu items. Think of selections as a five-course meal, without all the fuss but with all of the fun. Include equal protein heavy options, along with starches, veggies and fruits along with hot and cold items. A progressive style dinner is essentially created based on the timing of passed hors d’oeuvres. You have many choices when planning an event, so utilize factors such as when the event occurs, your budget, headcount, and style to determine your selections. Messina’s Catering and Events, the exclusive caterer at The Rooftop on Basin, can also help with creative selections

Pass the Goodness Around.

Passed hors d’oeuvres not only encourage mingling, but they can spark conversation as well. Miniaturized versions of most any meal favorite can be done and are delicious. Include soup shooters, antipasto skewers, shrimp cocktail, oysters and bacon wrapped scallops. Selections like Messina’s Mini Beef Wellington Bites, Warm Miniature Muffuletta Sandwiches, Duck on Endive and Salmon Mousse Deviled Eggs are perfect heartier and substantial options and go great with the spectacular skyline backdrop at The Rooftop on Basin. End with desserts like mini crème brûlée, and assorted dessert shooters.

Displayed with Pride.

Your guests will be naturally drawn to the marble-topped mahogany bar at The Rooftop on Basin, so utilize these types of areas and traffic flow throughout the venue to have presentation displays. This is where selections like Messina’s Charcuterie Display featuring assorted olives, okra, spicy green beans, pepperoncini, gerkins, artichoke hearts, Genoa, capocollo, pepperoni, salsiccia and assorted sausages including chorizo, smoked, andouille, alligator are perfect. Fruit, cheese and tapenade are also beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.

Spice Up the Event with Appetizer Stations.

Small plates and tapas have been a trend that many love, and one that works beautifully in a Heavy Appetizer event. Guests can personalize their plate and interact as they move their way through a taco, quesadilla or nacho bar. Moving away from buffets, chef attended stations provide a fun, visual component to the all appetizer party as well. Whether the final plating of a dish or actively tossing pasta at a custom pasta bar, a chef attendant enhances the overall excitement.

Quantity and Quality.

When there is so much variety and so many mouth-watering choices, how do you know how much is enough? A good rule of thumb is as follows: for 10 – 12 guests a minimum of 5 selections, 25 guests a minimum of 9 selections and for 50 guests, a minimum of 13 selections. Now, how many of each selection should be served? Your catering team at The Rooftop on Basin will guide you as timing is key. For an event during mealtime, plan on 12-15 total pieces per guest so that they’re appetite is satisfied. If the event occurs between standard mealtimes, allocate 8 – 10 pieces per person for nibbling. Finally, for longer parties lasting longer than 4 hours, allocate two additional pieces per person, per hour.

The Right Venue is the Main Ingredient.

To keep guests moving and mingling, keep in mind the actual space of your venue. If hosting at your home, utilize indoor and outdoor spaces (weather permitting) to keep a flow going. Ensure that your caterer has the adequate space needed for heating and prepping. At a venue, use the space at hand to place stations and bars in different areas so that guests can make their way from one end to another. It will keep your guests moving, tasting, and enjoying themselves. Messina’s Catering and Events offers an extensive menu of hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, displays and chef stations that are perfect for your heavy hors d’oeuvres party, whether at home or at one of our beautiful venues. We work to ensure that your event is top notch and are proud to have been recognized in the New Orleans area as a 2020 top wedding caterer by The Knot and the exclusive caterer for The Rooftop on Basin.