There are lots of starters from hors d’oeuvres to canapés. Most of us use the words hors d’oeuvres and canapés interchangeably. Tweet Kimball made sure that I was very clear on the different meanings of these items. For sit-down dinners and buffet style, Tweet served canapés. These were bite-sized items passed before dinner on silver trays, usually on crackers or toast points. Hors d’oeuvres are dips or items that require a toothpick. Appetizers would be served as a first course at a sit down dinner.” However you like to start a dinner party, here’s some of our favorites: