Appetizer's don't have to be junk food. We do appetizers all the time. It just may take some thinking ouside of the box. Example: buy some crackers (we like Wheat Thins (the one with olive oil & sun dried tomato) and Town House crackers (because of the buttery flavor)) then we go absolutely crazy with the toppings. We use any combination of the following feta cheese , cherry tomato cut in half is best for sitting still, capers, cream cheese regular or flavored, sardines, tuna salad, olives, deviled ham, shreded carrots, cut up cooked hot dogs cut bite sized, extra sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, fresh or dried basil, deviled eggs, etc.
Basically just have fun with everything on a cracker. It is simple easy. When layed out on trays with veggies like carrot sticks, celery stalks, broccoli, and/or cauliflower it can be very beautiful, creative, not junk food, and delicious. You can always do your own veggie tray, I stay away from cold cuts because of the high salt content and I really don't like them.
Since your activity for the evening will be card playing, you may want to make certain your food for the evening isn't anything that will make the hands dirty or you could have a time for the appetizers then serve something up from the grill before game playing begins.
Grilling is easy as long as you remember to marinate (season well and in advance your meats from burgers, to steak, to fish). Vegeatables are really easy on the grill, just put all your hearty veggies like zucchini squash, peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc on sizable piece of aluminum foil add ice, fold and seal the sides and ends so nothing can fall out. Place in the grill at the indirect heat for 5-10 minutes and then they should be done. Corn in the husks is great on the grill. Soak the corn in a huge pot of water for 1 hour before grilling. Then place the corn husk and all on the grill remembering to turn over till all sides of corn are cooked. Corn comes out delicously sweet and smoky flavored.
I love a great party, I hope this helps you to have one.