Mixed nuts are fine—if there’s a second course. But when an event doesn’t have the funds for fancy passed hors d’oeuvres or dinner, a selection of unexpected bar snacks can keep guests sated without breaking the budget. Here are 12 options to take the place of canapés. NoImage
![From left: crispy artichoke chips in the Samuri bowl from Classic Party Rentals in New York; salted, dried lychees in the teardrop bowl from Classic Party Rentals in San Francisco; and split pea mix with bacon in the Origami bowl from Hall's Rental in Chicago. All snacks are from Mary Giuliani Catering and Events in New York.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
From left: crispy artichoke chips in the Samuri bowl from Classic Party Rentals in New York; salted, dried lychees in the teardrop bowl from Classic Party Rentals in San Francisco; and split pea mix with bacon in the Origami bowl from Hall's Rental in Chicago. All snacks are from Mary Giuliani Catering and Events in New York.
Photo: Miha Matei for BizBash
![Hard-boiled quail eggs with ground pepper, chili, and lime salt mixes from Mary Giuliani Catering and Events](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image2.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Hard-boiled quail eggs with ground pepper, chili, and lime salt mixes from Mary Giuliani Catering and Events
Photo: Miha Matei for BizBash
![Heirloom potato chips with pink peppercorns, fresh thyme and asiago cheese from Très L.A.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image4.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Heirloom potato chips with pink peppercorns, fresh thyme and asiago cheese from Très L.A.
Photo: Matt Armendariz for BizBash
![Root vegetable chips with chipotle, beet, and green herb dips from Marigolds & Onions in Toronto](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Root vegetable chips with chipotle, beet, and green herb dips from Marigolds & Onions in Toronto
Photo: Virginia MacDonald for BizBash
![Vegetarian rice paper wraps with chili sambal sauce from Marigolds & Onions](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image6.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Vegetarian rice paper wraps with chili sambal sauce from Marigolds & Onions
Photo: Virginia MacDonald for BizBash
![Olive, cheese, pepperoni, and vegetable skewers from Entertaining Company in Chicago](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image7a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Olive, cheese, pepperoni, and vegetable skewers from Entertaining Company in Chicago
Photo: Michael Maes for BizBash
![Bhangra Bites: grilled paneer and masala tomato brunoise; uttapam pizzas; and lemon pepper and cayenne naan chips from Entertaining Company](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image8.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Bhangra Bites: grilled paneer and masala tomato brunoise; uttapam pizzas; and lemon pepper and cayenne naan chips from Entertaining Company
Photo: Michael Maes for BizBash
![Purple potatoes filled with spicy carnitas from R&R Catering in Washington](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e14564image9.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Purple potatoes filled with spicy carnitas from R&R Catering in Washington
Photo: Powers & Crewe for BizBash