Many of my clients ask me to provide canapés to accompany their guests’ pre-dinner drinks, and I also supply canapés for drinks parties. A full meal is not obligatory!

On this occasion, a Central London business wanted canapés for an after-work staff bonding event.

After the usual discussions about preferences, allergies and intolerances, we agreed on the following selection:

Smoked Salmon Blinis with Sour Cream and Dill.

Mini Savoury Shortbreads with Ricotta and Olives.

Tiger Prawn Skewers with Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce.

Gruyère and Chorizo Puffs.

Mini Smoked Ham and Cheese Croissants.

Pissaladière Slices with Caramelised Onion, Anchovy and Olives.

Mini Mozzarella, Cherry Tomato and Olive Skewers.

Parmesan Cheese Straws.

Potato Latkes with Sour Cream and Apple Sauce.

Curried Coconut and Ginger Chicken Sticks.

For an event that is just going to be canapés, with no meal to follow, I usually recommend that the client chooses 10 different items, and I will provide enough of each one that guests do not necessarily need to go on to have a meal elsewhere.

The above selection represents just a few of the options available. Fish lovers may also like to try my salt cod fritters and mini Thai fish cakes. A popular vegetarian choice is my ricotta, lemon, sage and parmesan mini pinwheel. For vegans, I may suggest crudités of carrots, peppers and cucumber with home-made hummus. I can also supply shot glasses of Gazpacho or Granita.