The apericena combines aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and nibbles) and cena (dinner): guests eat standing, with finger food, a few hot dishes in small bowls and a dessert, but the quantities are those of a meal. It is the most common format for graduation parties, birthdays, terrace parties and end-of-year corporate evenings.
The difference from an aperitivo is in the numbers. Industry guides suggest at least a dozen pieces per person when the apericena replaces dinner, plus a margin. An aperitivo before a seated dinner needs far fewer. For the maths, see the guide on how much food to plan per person.
What to ask the caterer
Say straight away if the apericena is the evening's meal. Ask how many pieces per person it plans, how many hot dishes, whether staff are included or it is delivery only, and how drinks are covered. At home, space, oven and fridge matter: the guide to an apericena at home lists them.
