When you make drinks or appetizers to eat or drink standing up, don’t make the food too difficult to handle. Remember that your guests are already holding a glass, so be sure to offer appetizers which are easy to hold with one hand. No overloaded sandwiches which spill their contents onto your guests’ jackets or dresses, causing embarrassment all round.

Because these finger food canapés are often eaten standing up, they also have a strong social value because they stimulate your guests to socialise. They will be free to move from one part of your buffet party to another, chatting with the other guests, something which is difficult to do once the seats have been assigned.