Whether you are hosting an extravagant reception dinner or just a late afternoon happy hour noshing, seafood appetizers are a tasty way to kick off the festivities. We have selected 10 of our favorite small bite recipes for you to enjoy.

First, I would argue that Thai food offers some of the best seafood appetizers out there. Just look at this shrimp satay (above, left) and baked crab rangoon (above, right). Seriously, cream cheese and crab wrapped up in a wonton? What more could you want?

Or, go for a flavorful Hawaiian influenced ahi poke if you want to keep things on the lighter side.

Crab is the unsung hero of comfort food. Dig into this hot crab dip (above) with some baguette, or try to limit yourself to just one mini crab cake (below, left), which by the way, can't be done.

New Englanders can show off some local pride with plates of fried oysters or the much beloved lobster rolls.

In the mood for something classic to serve at a brunch? Go with smoked salmon and grilled shrimp cocktail.

Recipes: Shrimp Satay// Crab Rangoon// Ahi Poke// Hot Crab Dip// Crab Cakes// Calamari// Fried Oysters// Mini Lobster Rolls// Smoked Salmon// Grilled Shrimp Cocktail