You don't have to spend hours in the kitchen creating tantalizing appetizers. If unexpected guests are dropping in our recipes below for Garlic Pâté on Toasts, Marinated Olives and Garlic Paprika Shrimp (featured in image at left) look elegant and can be made in minutes.

Safe appetizer serving tips
To keep appetizers fresh, appealing and safe to eat, don't let them stand at room temperature for very long - definitely not more than two hours.

Arrange each variety on small platters and refrigerate the platters. Put out only as many as you need to begin the party and keep an eye on them. When they run out, instead of adding replacements to platters that have been standing at room temperature, bring out a fresh, full platter and pass it around to hungry guests.

Three easy party appetizers:
• Garlic Pâté on Toasts
Here's a simple canapé chock-full of mellow roasted garlic flavour - an earthy yet sophisticated match for drinks. You can also garnish with chopped fresh chives, parsely, oregano or basil for a bit of colour.

• Marinated Olives
Look for unseasoned brined green and black olives in the deli section at your grocery store for this simple appetizer.

• Garlic Paprika Shrimp
Tasty Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera) is used in this simple recipe. You can substitute sweet paprika if smoked is unavailable. Serve with toothpicks.