Quick crowd-pleasers that pair well with appetizer picks are easy to put together and simple to serve.

• Caprese bites: cherry tomato, mozzarella, basil.
• Antipasto: salami, olive, pepper.
• Cheese & grape or cheese & olive.
• Fruit skewers: strawberry, melon, mint.
• Shrimp & lemon with cocktail sauce on the side.
• Mini meatballs with marinara or a glaze.
• Tortellini tossed in pesto or vinaigrette.
• Dessert bites: brownie cube with a berry.

Set out plenty of cocktail picks, small plates, and napkins to keep things tidy. Offering a mix of protein, veggie, and a meat-free option can help everyone find something they like. Many pantry and deli items, along with appetizer picks, are available for pickup or delivery where offered.

There isn’t a single official list, but many hosts group appetizers into these seven styles:

1. Canapés: toppings on toast, crackers, or pastry.
2. Skewers: bites served on cocktail picks or bamboo skewers.
3. Dips & spreads: paired with chips, bread, or veggies.
4. Finger foods: small hot or cold bites like meatballs.
5. Stuffed bites: mushrooms, mini peppers, or tomatoes.
6. Mini sandwiches & sliders: handheld and filling.
7. Fruit, cheese & charcuterie: easy to assemble and customize.

Appetizer picks can make many of these categories easier to serve and grab, keeping platters neat and lines moving.

Choose bite-size items that hold together and taste great at room temperature. Try these combos:

• Caprese: tomato, mozzarella, basil.
• Antipasto: olive, salami, roasted pepper.
• Greek: cucumber, feta, olive.
• Fruit: pineapple, strawberry, grape.
• Protein: shrimp with a lemon slice.
• Pasta: tortellini with a cherry tomato.
• Cheese & pickle: cheddar and a cornichon.
• Dessert: brownie, marshmallow, berry.

Tips: use bamboo skewers around 3.5–5 in for small stacks, alternate colors for a nice presentation, and keep sauces on the side to avoid soggy bites. Chill items like cheese and fruit before assembling when possible.

You’ll see them listed under a few names, often based on style or use:

• Cocktail picks or garnish picks for drink garnishes.
• Toothpicks (decorative varieties for appetizers).
• Bamboo knot picks with a looped top for grip.
• Frill picks with a colorful paper tassel.
• Pearl-top picks with a decorative bead.
• Paddle picks with a flat handle.
• Umbrella picks for tropical drinks.

Most options are wood or bamboo and range from about 3 to 6 in. When browsing, filter by length, top style, and pack size to match your menu and presentation.

Match pick length to what you’re serving:

• About 3 to 3.5 in: olives, cheese cubes, fruit bites, single garnishes.
• About 4 to 5 in: mini skewers with 2–3 pieces, sliders, charcuterie cups, drink garnishes with heft.
• 6 in and up: small kabobs or taller stacks on party platters.

Style tips: knot or pearl-top picks add grip and a finished look, paddle picks help with sturdier items, and frill or umbrella picks add color for drinks. Most picks are intended for serving or garnishing; if you plan to heat or cook with them, check product details first. Consider multipacks so you have extras, and look for pickup or delivery options where available.