the perfect platter

For Christmas, this year, why not consider the perfect platter – filled to the brim with beautiful fruits, shaved meats and fresh quality produce. Find out how to put everything together stress-free in our tips below.

Set the scene

Before you rush out to your local greengrocer for ingredients, you need to make sure the rest of the room will be worthy of displaying your perfect platter.

From beautiful table runners and tablecloths to Christmas décor items there are so many ways to decorate your space to suit your style. Bring on the table decorations we say!

Why not get creative? Use a throw rug on top of your table to instantly create a picnic-style vibe. Make it a little messy or place it on an angle to add a bit of dimension to your table setting.

Our Ashley Throw Rug & Meade Throw Rug are available in several different colours to suit whichever theme you’ve picked for the big day. Shop our full range of Throw Rugs here.

Sensational serveware

Add height and shape to your platter by adding bowls and saucers to house messier items like dips, jams, olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Place these on a more oversized tray or cutting board and arrange other items around them to serve.

Our Classica range features bowls and platters for just about anything! View our full range of kitchen items here.

Tip – if you are using store-bought dip, scoop it into our Classica Twin Bowl, and everyone will think you made it yourself!

A little bit of prep-work

Take some advice from jolly old St Nick! Make yourself a list and then check it twice. With so many small ingredients to include, it can be easy to lose track when you’re shopping. Here are a few things to take into consideration

• How many guests will there be?
• How big is your platter or chopping board?
• Any food intolerances to consider?
• What’s in season?

Fresh is best

No-one wants stale crackers or soggy fruit. Wherever possible buy local in-season produce from your local greengrocer and deli the day before. Have meats like prosciutto and salami cut thin, and don’t forget to purchase seedless fruits and vegetables to avoid any nasty surprises!

Colour & texture

Add a pop of colour with vegetables like carrot and celery sticks, and fresh fruits like grapes, berries and watermelon slices. Not only will this brighten your platter, but it will help to provide a variation in flavours (and make your guests feel less guilty for indulging in your delicious spread!).

Texture is just as important as colour on a platter for visual appeal. Add at least two different types of crackers for cheese and dips – one that is a bit sweeter and one that is savoury. Nuts, pretzels, crusty bread and chunks of chocolate can all be added for some crunch!

Arranging your platter

Start with the largest items like cheeses and bowls for dips and olives. Next, place down larger focal ingredients such as grapes on a vine. Then add your crackers and bread, and fill gaps with your fresh fruit and vegetables.

Once you have your grazing board assembled with your larger items, you may have some blank spaces. This is where your filler ingredients come in to make your platter look full and inviting!

• Nuts
• Pretzels
• Fresh herb sprigs
• Dried fruits
• Edible flowers

Play around with the placement of items and different shapes and sizes. Cut cheeses into a smaller wedge, stack items to give them height, roll up meats like prosciutto and cut fruit into different shapes.

Mix it up

Who says a platter must be full of cheeses and dips? Graze in style this Holiday Season!

Try something different this year and experiment with a breakfast or dessert grazing board for the family. Start with larger items like meringues, pancakes, muffins, and croissants, add fresh fruits, and bowls filled with jams, whipped cream and melted chocolate.

However, you decide to celebrate this year, we hope you have a great Christmas!