Hors d’Oeuvres

by David Litwak | 2025-06-30

Definition: Hors d’oeuvres are the sassy starters that kick off your event with style! These small bites, served before the main meal, get guests mingling and munching, setting the tone for a fabulous night.


Variations:

  • Classic Bites: Stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs with a modern twist like truffle oil.
  • Global Flair: Samosas with mango chutney or bao buns with hoisin pork.
  • Dietary Options: Vegan spring rolls or gluten-free bruschetta for all to enjoy.


Presentation Tips:

  • Tray Chic: Use marble platters or bamboo trays for a trendy look.
  • Garnish Pop: Add edible violets or sesame seed sprinkles for visual zing.
  • Height Play: Stack bites on tiered pastry stands for a dramatic buffet display.


Tips & Tricks:

  • Offer a mix of hot and cold to keep things interesting.
  • Keep bites finger-friendly—no utensils needed!
  • Plan for 2-3 pieces per guest per hour for cocktail-style events.
  • For this spring season, use citrus zest or fresh dill for seasonal freshness.
  • Label dietary options clearly to avoid confusion.
  • Hors d’Oeuvres are often prepared in advance so make sure you have enough heating plates, warming drawers or ovens to keep them warm so they don’t go stale!

Need help producing your event?

We built Maxwell Studios to provide full service, vertically integrated creative production, built from inside the very walls where our community has been coming alive since 2021.

CREATIVE DIRECTION

CHEF COLLABORATION

AV PRODUCTION

LOGISTICS

Address: 135 Watts, Floor 1, New York, NY, 10013

Walkable TO Westside Highway, One World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial, Duane Park, Battery Park

Nearby Neighborhoods

Tribeca, Financial District, SoHo, West Village, Greenwich Village, Nolita, Hudson Square

HOTELS NEARBY

Foquets, Greenwich Hotel, Arlo Soho, The Roxy, Soho Grand, The Frederick Hotel, Warren St Hotel, The Dominick, Hotel Hugo

LATE NIGHT spots nearby

Paul's Casablanca, Paul's Baby Grand, EAR Inn

Dinner spots nearby

The Odeon, Locanda Verde, Forgione, l'abeille, Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Yves, Mr Chows

Ready to join the family? We can’t wait to host you.

Ready to join the family? We can’t wait to host you.

Join our events list to get first access to availability, ideas from past celebrations, and exclusive Maxwell-hosted experiences.