Ordering a retro Pu Pu Platter, an assortment of Chinese restaurant appetizers, is fun—and sounds so much more interesting than “assorted appetizers.” The concept can be applied to dessert at your place. Instead of serving one big piece of cake or pie, provide 4 or 5 small tastes of assorted favorites: bites of lemon squares or brownies, mini tarts or flans, mousse or a smoothie in a shot glass, a bite-size key lime cookie, a piece of toffee. No one will pooh-pooh this dessert.

• Find more ideas in the Dessert Section of TheNibble.com.