I married into a family of hors d’oeurve lovers. Cheese and crackers are de rigueur for even the most casual get together. Holidays earn you some Summer sausage. Triscuits and pita crisps, manchego Irish cheddar. These are the staples of the living room coffee table when company is expected.
My family would put out a spread for special occasions. Sausage with mustard and crackers was the most common, but on occasion we would have my favorite of the guests-are-coming rotaion: peanut butter and crumbled bacon on a cracker. Wheat Thins were the best and by crumbled bacon I mean honestly fried bacon that was torn or crunched to pieces.