Appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, finger food, canapés, tapas: whatever you call this category of foods, it’s a big one, and as diverse as the occasions for serving them. Almost any type of food can be adapted and served as an appetizer. This wealth of options can make planning a party menu feel overwhelming, especially since you probably don’t have to think too hard to remember a time when you experienced mediocre appetizers, whether it was a flavorless dip or a slice of greasy tart. Yet despite abundant indications to the contrary, assembling an impressive array of delicious homemade appetizers is really not that hard, and you don’t have to hire a caterer or rely on prepackaged foods to do it.