If you attend a private view of an exhibition, what do you expect to eat?

[IamEarthymama]

I am planning a private view of a photographic exhibition in the next few weeks.
I held a small event last week and sweet offerings were virtually untouched.

What would be good for savoury nibbles at an early afternoon event on a shoestring budget in this post Covid world?
Nothing too complicated please.
Another thought?

Should we just offer drinks?

Please ensure you have non-alcoholic drinks as well- lots of people don't drink these days, or even if they do, might be driving.

Nothing. Don’t people mostly go for the free booze?

The last time I went, they had mini charcuterie cones - these little paper cones with a selection of bits (meats, olives, roasted peppers, cheese, breadsticks or crackers) and they were fab. Really tasty and each cone was individually served so no fingers in bowls! They had veggie and vegan ones too, and it seemed a really good way to offer things out. We loved them!

I would avoid things like bowls or peanuts and crisps. Not everyone will have freshly washed hands.

Avoid Mars Bars, then.

One of the most ridiculous things I've ever read on MN, and I've read plenty of truly ridiculous things on MN.

All veggie - little quiches, tiny veggie sausage rolls, little things on sticks (cheese and pineapple would be perfect imo).

A few simple canapes, nothing needing people to have napkins or be too careful about spills. Things they can pick up whilst holding a glass. Olives on sticks? Mini savoury muffins. Mini cheese straws. Nothing sweet

I’ve been to loads… champagne, wine, or a ‘signature cocktail’ are normal, plus usually canapés.

Drinks including non-alcoholic ones, and food that only the person eating it will touch. What to offer perhaps depends on the time of day of the private view.

And congratulations on having a body of work you can exhibit.

Not everyone will want alcohol, so I think another pp's suggestion of also suplying tea, coffee and biscuits is a good one. Yes to soft drinks as well.

I'm always drawn to canapes though

No food. Just drink - and even then, don't cater for too many tastes.

Glass of white or a soft drink like elderflower cordial or sparkling water is honestly, absolutely fine.

Or you could have buckets of bottled beers if it's a more rock-star vibe.

PVs are a convivial view, not a banquet and booze-up.

(If it were a drinks reception for the preview of an auction or the VIP evening at an art fair or some such, then you could up the game and include a cocktail and some canapés for sure.)

I’ve never been offered food at a private view, just a glass of undrinkable wine.

Drinks only at any I've ever been to - apart from one at Christmas where they had little mince pies.

I don’t think I’ve ever been offered food at a private view. Usually a choice of red or white, or possibly sparkling, plus mineral water or juice. Really, don’t bother with food.