Here are a few tips to consider when putting together a cocktail party menu. They're easy to follow and make a world of difference.

#1 - Tastes vary and so should your selection of canapés. Make sure to consider differing tastes when putting together your canapés menu. Include some vegetarian items, and consider if any of your guests have dietary restrictions (seafood allergy, vegan, etc...)

#2 - Select canapés which require little or no final preparation. You will have enough to worry about refilling drinks and socializing, that the last thing you want to do is spend the night prepping canapés in the kitchen.

#3 - Match your canapés to your drinks. If you are offering a wide variety of drinks, this is not as important, but when serving specialty cocktails for example, champagne based drinks, be sure and pick canapés which work with the drinks being served. My favourite, a pomegranate champagne cocktail with smoked salmon lollipops.

#4 - Leave the sweets until the end. Always include some sweet items, but be sure to serve them later in the evening. Nothing works better with a late-night digestif than a sweet accompaniment.