Taking a bite into a canapé

Sometimes the original, or literal, meaning of an apparently familiar French word comes as a surprise. For example, in French a canapé is literally a sofa.

Once upon a time, a chef created a new type of hors d’oeuvre by putting a savoury topping on a piece of bread, toast or pastry. The topping was thought to sit on the bread like a person sitting on a sofa, and so the snack came to be called a ‘canapé’.

When looking at food options for your wedding, why not look at inspiration on what appetisers and bites to serve?

Teamed with a celebratory glass of bubbles, canapés are simple yet beautiful enough for a lovely wedding celebration.

According to Granny Mouse General Manager, Sean Granger, “Canapés are very popular with our wedding couples, as this allows the guests to have a pre-dinner snack, whilst the couple are off having their pictures taken. We serve them both hot and cold, and have a vast selection for the couples to chose from.”

It’s very possible that canapés will most likely be the first thing your guests will have eaten since leaving home and will help keep the hunger at bay. All the more reason to make it delicately delicious, and just enough to leave them excited for the main banquet.

Canapés are a delightful option, not just for weddings but for all special occasions, be it a dinner party, a baby shower or even at afternoon tea, they can be served when friends pop in for a couple of glasses of wine or even if you want to serve up something different for that big sports game or family movie night. Their size also helps in social situations – being bite-size makes them that much easier to eat.

From Mediterranean style bruschetta’s to crostini’s, and when serving before a main meal, remember to allow for 2-3 servings per person, otherwise your guests will continue to devour and have no space for the main course. It’s better to have your guests wishing for more than feeling too full.