Dips

• Soft cheese spreads, salsa, hummus and creamy crab-and-artichoke dip are all popular American finger foods when served with crackers, chips or bread. Try your local gourmet or natural-food store for more unusual or wholesome versions of these favorites. If you're feeling a little more exotic, look for harissa (North African hot pepper spread), baba ganouj (Middle Eastern eggplant dip), tapenade (Southern European olive spread), pesto (an Italian favorite), or ful mudamas (Egyptian fava bean dip).

Pigs in a Blanket

• Pigs in a blanket--mini hot dogs wrapped in dough--have been a popular American appetizer since the 1950s. This simple, classic recipe is so popular that you would risk little in attempting to get more creative with it. Instead of the usual dinner roll dough, try pizza dough, phyllo dough or puff pastry. Instead of simply wrapping the dough around the meat, pinch the dough completely around the filling to make a little dumpling or bundle.

  Bundle recipes also allow you to get more creative with the fillings; try ground sausage, seasoned beef or lamb, or vegetables. You may also want to try making an open-topped version of this appetizer, such as the "Pigs on their Pillows" recipe from Applegate Farms.

Shrimp

• The easiest way to serve shrimp as a finger food is to steam it, chill it, then put it in a bowl next to some cocktail sauce. Those who are watching their calorie intake will likely be quite grateful.

Mini-Sandwiches

• Use sandwich bread to make mini-sandwiches, or try a baguette or Italian loaf for a tastier, more attractive sandwich bite. With sandwich bread, use a triple layer of bread and cut each sandwich into four pieces. If using a long, narrow baguette, slice it thinly and make small round sandwiches. If using a wider loaf of French or Italian bread, make oval sandwiches, then cut them in half. These halved sandwiches will be less crusty, less chewy. Avoid tomatoes in your sandwiches if you think they will be sitting for a long time, as they will make the sandwiches soggy. The same is true for condiments or sauces; serve these in a bowl nearby.

Low-Prep Finger Foods

• Do not underestimate the popularity of low-prep foods--such as fruit, olives, vegetables, shelled nuts, crackers, chips, and sliced cheeses or meats. Guests often enjoy these foods because they are light, clean, and easy to consume during a conversation. Fruit, olives and vegetables will also add bright, vibrant colors to your food spread.