Americans are embracing the small plate craze. They are serving bite-size mini meals-tapas, bar snacks, antipasti, skewered vegetables-whenever they entertain. Simple Italian Snacks shows how to plan a menu for any gathering in the informal yet chic way that Italians have mastered. Here are recipes appropriate for an afternoon by the pool, a fireside get-together with friends, an intimate dinner for two, or a party for a crowd. The dishes, which can be served as hors d oeuvres or presented as a meal, are easy to prepare, and many can be made ahead of time.