I love to put out an array of hors d'oeuvres for guests to enjoy when I'm hosting a cocktail hour. It's always nice to provide guests with a selection of foods to choose from so that even the most particular of guests will most likely be able to find something to eat. Unfortunately there is one problem I seem to always run into when I take this approach with serving appetizers at a cocktail party. The mess that usually results from sampling dips or spooning sauces onto appetizer plates is epic. By the end of an evening, it's not uncommon to find my buffet table looking like a battleground. So how have I addressed this issue?

I came across the Marta Tasting Cups at CB2 a little over a year ago and they have quickly become a staple in my serveware arsenal. I use these cups for serving chili toppings (in this post), serving spices alongside hot mulled apple cider (see this post) and now I also use them to create the most fabulous individualized hors d'oeuvres! Today I am sharing three favorite appetizers that are fabulous to serve in CB2's Marta Tasting Cups. These ideas are definite crowd pleasers, easy to assemble and the reduction in table mess post party is incredible! Suffice it to say, I highly recommend serving any of these tasty hors d'oeurves at your next party.