There's several reasons to serve appetizers and salads before the main meal . Besides allowing more time for guests to arrive and curbing the appétite , it also gives the other guests a chance to mingle and socialize . Salads are a good way to prepare the palate for the main meal .

Some good appetizers to try are anything from simple juices and cheese and crackers to elaborate relish trays and fruit platters . Soups are a very good appetizer as they can be eaten slowly . a small bowl of soup also adds a European atmosphere to the meal . This list can give you some appetizer suggestions to help make your next party a success.

fruit juice
vegetable juice
crackers and a variety of cheeses
Finger sandwiches
Hot canapes
Fruit cup
Chips and dip
salted nuts
trail or snack mixes
Vegetable trays with dip
Relish trays
Fresh fruit platters
shrimp cocktail
hors d'oeurves
a variety of breads and herbal butters
cold soups and broths
hot soups and broths
Quick breads
rolls and butter
plain popcorn
cheese popcorn
Flavored popcorn
smoked meats and cheeses
a cheese platter
cheese or meat fondue
Pretzels
Tiny meat balls and dip
Melted cheese spreads
Sandwich spreads and breads or crackers
deviled eggs

Some salads you might want to try are

Tossed salad
mixed greens salad
Vegetable salad
coleslaw
Macaroni salad
Potato salad
Cucumber salad
Pasta salad
Fruit salads
Jello salads or molded salads
tuna stuffed tomatoes
cottage cheese stuffed tomatoes
Stuffed celery ribs
Stuff cucumbers or zucchini
pepper cabbage
antipasto salad
tuna salad
Chicken salad
ham salad
egg salad