Tis’ the season for parties and that means you’ll probably be taking treats to a party. Of course we want to take something pretty, something everyone will eat, and something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Here are three party platter ideas that will please at your local class or work party.
- Vegetable Tray: You can usually buy a prepackaged tray at your local grocery store. They almost always include celery, carrots, broccoli, baby tomatoes, and cauliflower. I’ve found the celery and cauliflower are the least favorite choices. You can buy plastic trays and make your own. Include vegetables that your kids eat, at least that way you know somebody will be eating something from the tray. Try adding sliced bell peppers, they come in orange, red, and green and will add some color to the tray. Instead of offering ranch dressing, try adding blue cheese, hummus, or a yogurt based dip.
- Fruit Tray: These are super simple to make and sure to please. Just like any other tray make your own with the fruits your family actually eats. Strawberries, pineapple, watermelon triangles, blueberries, grapes, melons, and kiwis are popular choices. You can also make some fruit kabobs, similar to these, for easy pickup and handling by party-goers. If you want to sweeten the deal add some marshmallow dip or even chocolate dip. One of my favorite variations on the fruit tray is a caramel apple tray. Use sliced apples, both green and red, along with a bowl of caramel and you’ve got a lovely treat people will eat.
- Meat and Cheese Tray: These are the classic party platters. You can buy almost any variety of meats and cheeses at your local store in a prepackaged platter. If you are looking for simple and quick, that is the way to go. Of course you can always make your own. Try dicing up cheese sticks (if you have kids, you’ve probably got these). Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic that almost everyone likes. If you don’t want to pre slice your cheese, you can use a cutting board, maybe a fancy or wood one, and add a small pairing knife. Do this only if this is an adult party, definitely precut for school or kids’ parties. Cured meats like prosciutto and sweet salami are nice, but you can also go with pepperoni or ham. Add a variety of olives and you’ve got a party platter everyone will love.
Don’t forget to add toothpicks to any tray, just to make things easy.
What are your favorite party platters? What are some unique party platters you’ve seen or created?
