Appetizers
To balance out the evening, plan to have 2-3 warm appetizers to bring out throughout the course of the evening. Prepare these appetizers in advance to the extent possible so that ideally all you will have to do is heat up, therefore minimizing your time in the kitchen once your guests have arrived.
Here are a few of my favorites.
Gougeres
Baked Brie in Pastry (perhaps the easiest and most delicious appetizer ever created)
Roasted Shrimp
Warm Piquillo and Crab Dip
Crispy Asparagus Straws