The key to pulling off a party that has so many moving parts is to keep each hors d'oeuvre simple, Mr. Bouley notes.

WSJ: David Bouley on Spontaneous Entertaining

Now, she says, this African-American Southern food staple is everywhere -- and served thinly sliced and fried as a bite-sized hors d'oeuvre or soup garnish.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Moments right before the ship hits the iceberg, that's sort of how it felt as we made our way into the theater and up to the mezzanine, where champagne and hors d'oeuvre are being served.

NPR: A Night At The Oscars