30 Sophisticated Starters

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Photo: Frederic Lagrange

Start with the very best ingredients, add a polished presentation, and you've got a pre-dinner spread with serious sophistication.

01 of 26

Martha's Birthday Hors d'Oeuvres

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Frederic Lagrange

Luxe ingredients, such as quail eggs with caviar, gravlax, and Gruyere, set a posh tone from the start.

02 of 26

Blini with Caviar

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Why mess with a classic? Pair these Russian pancakes with creme fraiche and caviar.

03 of 26

Oysters with Serrano Chile, Avocado, and Cherry Tomatoes

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Get the highest-quality ingredients possible to make a major impact.

04 of 26

Baked Brie with Pecans

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David Loftus

Complement the cheese's gooey center with a sweet drizzle of maple syrup.

05 of 26

Shrimp Cocktail

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Fresh shrimp will really make this classic sing, but flash-frozen can work in a pinch.

06 of 26

Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Blue Cheese and Pecans

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Wrapped snugly in salty, meaty blankets, these stuffed figs are always irresistible.

07 of 26

Salmon Mousse

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Send a celebratory signal by serving up this lemon and sour-cream-infused mousse.

08 of 26

Gruyere-and-Parmesan Beignets

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Delicate puffs of cheese-infused batter are perfect party bites.

09 of 26

Pears and Camembert

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Anna Williams

Layers of cheese and nutty pear filling are as delicious as they are pretty.

10 of 26

Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread

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Cream cheese creates luscious texture while letting the pungent cheese shine.

11 of 26

Lentil Pate

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Kalyn Sims

A meatless alternative with the texture and richness of traditional pate.

12 of 26

Smoked Trout and Garlic Cream on Rye Toasts

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These toasts look ultra fancy but come together in a flash.

13 of 26

Upside-Down Mushroom Tartlets

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Set a thoughtful tone by greeting guests with individual tarts made in a muffin pan.

14 of 26

Mini Chicken B'Steeyas

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Usually made as one large pie, mini versions of the Moroccan specialty are finger-food friendly and can be made ahead.

15 of 26

Pear Pecan Toasts

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Thinly sliced Bartlett pears are a sweet foil to tangy Roquefort.

16 of 26

Cantaloupe and Mozzarella with Prosciutto and Basil

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Pink, white, and orange paint a pretty picture on this antipasti platter.

17 of 26

Three-Cheese Gougeres

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Johnny Miller

Expect three times the flavor in these savory puffs.

18 of 26

Daikon Radish Boxes with Crab Salad

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Like mini gift boxes, these pristine cubes of radish hold delicious crab salad.

19 of 26

Cucumber Cups with Vichyssoise

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Craig Cutler

Hollowed-out cucumbers become impressive vessels for creamy soup.

20 of 26

Fresh Radishes with Flavored Salts and Butter

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Calm the veggie's bite with a bit of butter and a touch of salt.

21 of 26

Fried Olives

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The crispy exterior yields to a warm, salty, addictive interior.

22 of 26

Stravecchio Frico

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These frilly webs of cheese require only two ingredients.

23 of 26

Beet Chips

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Extra-thin beet slices become ruby-red rounds of flavor.

24 of 26

Endive Spears with Lobster, Avocado, and Grapefruit

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Endives become mini boats to transport utterly upscale ingredients.

25 of 26

Spicy Tuna Tartare

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Ken Kochey

The surprise? Sriracha gives this tartare its spicy edge.

26 of 26

Edible Serving Vessels

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Nestle a blue cheese and walnut filling in grape cups, herbed goat cheese in cherry tomato cups, or gazpacho in cucumber cups for easy appetizer eating without messy fingers.

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