Party Tip
Uncertain as to how many appetizers to serve when party planning, I find these options a good rule of thumb.

If you choose to serve an appetizer before a meal, consider the meal and what you will be serving and try to select complementary foods.  Choose appetizers to serve that you can prepare ahead and serve easily.

Dinner Party – 6 appetizers per person.  Serve only 2 to 3 appetizer items, but offer appetizers to only whet their appetite without ruining it

Cocktail Party – 8 to 12 appetizers per person.  Guests will generally eat about 5 appetizers each during the first hour and will eat about 3 appetizers each for each subsequent hour.

If your guest list has fewer than 45 people, plan on serving 6 different appetizers.
For more than 45 guests, approximately 8 different appetizers.
For smaller gatherings 3 types of appetizers are suitable for 8 to 10 guests; 4 or 5 types of appetizers for 14 to 16 people.

Having an equal number of hot and cold foods is also helpful so that while one appetizer is heating in the oven, a cold one can be circulating, keeping everyone nibbling happily. Having an equal number of hot and cold foods is also helpful so that while one appetizer is heating in the oven, a cold one can be circulating, keeping everyone nibbling happily.