How to Make the Perfect Party Platter [+ 13 Great Options to Try]

Cheese plate, charcuterie board, party platter… whatever you call it, it’s the perfect way to feed a crowd at a party. Make your holiday entertaining and get-togethers super easy with a beautiful platter that you can make with minimal effort.

Finger foods are required at any party or get-together to make it easy for your guests to graze while carrying on a conversation and probably also holding a glass of wine.

You know you need a party platter, but it might seem daunting to put one together, because of all the choices… and how do you make it pretty? Well, you’ll be happy to know that it’s super simple to put together a gorgeous plate of finger foods for your guests to enjoy.

» You might also like this Herb Goat Cheese Christmas Appetizer.

How to Make The Perfect Party Platter

The basic principle for making a beautiful party platter is to pile up all the good stuff. See how easy that is?! Okay, there’s a bit more to it than just adding piles of good food to a board, but it’s not much more difficult than that.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Base

Start with a large, flat platter or wooden board—it’s your canvas. The size should be chosen based on the number of guests. A good rule of thumb is to have enough so that each person can try a little of everything.

Slate and glass boards also make a nice display.

There are some nice platter boards that you can buy on Amazon that have the space to display your foods, plus trays for dips and holders for cheese knives and spreaders.

The Stars: Variety is Key

Your platter should cater to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

Cheese (3-5 Types):

• Soft Cheese: Brie or Camembert (50-75g per cheese, per person)
• Hard Cheese: Aged Cheddar or Manchego (50-75g per cheese, per person)
• Blue Cheese: Gorgonzola or Roquefort (50-75g per cheese, per person)
• Fresh Cheese: Mozzarella or Feta (50-75g per cheese, per person)
• A Unique Pick: A local cheese or something aged and unusual

Charcuterie (2-4 Types):

• Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, chorizo (50-75g per type, per person)
• Specialty Items: Pâté, terrines, or smoked sausages

Fruits and Vegetables:

• Fresh: Grapes, berries, cherry tomatoes (handful per type, per person)
• Dried: Apricots, figs, dates (handful per type, per person)
• Veggies: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips

Nuts and Extras:

• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios (handful per type, per person)
• Olives & Pickles: A variety of each, for tangy contrast
• Honey & Jams: Small jars or dollops directly on the board
• Chocolate: Dark chocolate pieces or truffles

Bread and Crackers:

• Assortment: Baguette slices, artisan crackers, pita bread (2-3 pieces per type, per person)

The Art of Assembly

1. Start with the Large Items: Place cheese and bowls of olives or jams first.
2. Add the Charcuterie: Fold or roll slices of meats artfully around the board.
3. Fill in with Fruits and Veggies: Use these to add color and freshness around the larger items.
4. Nuts and Extras: Fill small gaps with nuts, chocolates, or dried fruits.
5. Bread and Crackers: These can frame the board or be served on the side.

Final Touches

• Garnish: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a pop of green and a fresh aroma.
• Labels: Consider labeling items, especially if you have unique or unfamiliar options.
• Serving Tools: Ensure there are cheese knives, spoons for jams, and picks for olives.

The Key to Success: Know Your Guests

The final, and perhaps most important, tip for building the perfect party platter is to know your audience. If you have vegetarians, make sure there’s plenty for them. If your friends love spicy food, include some spicy charcuterie or a zesty dip. The best platter is one that reflects the tastes and preferences of those who’ll be enjoying it.

Creating the perfect party platter is a joy in itself. It’s an opportunity to explore flavors and textures, to mix and match, and ultimately, to bring people together in celebration of food and friendship. So the next time you’re hosting, take a moment to craft a platter with care and creativity. Your guests will not only love the variety but also the thoughtfulness behind every choice.

Refilling the board

The best part about a board with multiple items is that it can be refilled quickly and easily. Prepare extra of each item and have it at the ready to refill empty spots in the board as they get eaten.

12 Great Cheese Plates, Charcuterie Boards and Party Platters to Make

Christmas Charcuterie Board

This festive Christmas Charcuterie Board is perfect for your holiday get togethers and parties, where finger good is the best way to please a crowd.

>> See the recipe

Holiday Antipasto Wreath Appetizer

This Holiday Antipasto Wreath Appetizer is a delicious, visually appealing and perfect for parties. Because of its amazing presentation, this dish is particularly perfect for the holiday season.

>> See the recipe

A Simple Cheese Board

If you have friends or family over, and you want to offer something to snack on without spending a long time in the kitchen, this Simple Cheese Board is what you are looking for.

>> See the recipe

Fall Charcuterie Board

Need an easy & eye-catching appetizer for fall parties & holidays? Prep and assemble a simple charcuterie board (meat & cheese platter) with autumn-themed ingredients in about 30 minutes. This one features cured meats, hard and soft cheeses, seasonal produce like apples and pears, plus sweet & savory nibbles so there’s a variety of flavors.

>> See the recipe

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon and Basil Cheese Board

Impress your guests with this simple and delicious party board! Prosciutto Wrapped Melon with Basil, served with a simple gluten free cheese board, alongside some gluten free crackers and nuts. It’s perfect for your next holiday party or get together!

>> See the recipe

The Ultimate Greek Meze Platter

This Ultimate Greek Meze Platter will for sure impress your guests! By adding some traditional Greek spreads, veggies, and lots of pita bread, you can easily re-create this platter at home for your next party!

>> See the recipe

Lox Appetizer Platter

Make a gorgeous Lox Appetizer Platter with a lox Greek yogurt dip, lox bagel bites, and tasty lox & cucumber bites. It will be the star of any party! Use store-bought lox or homemade lox (recipe included) for a gourmet lox appetizer on a budget.

>> See the recipe

Festive Charcuterie Grazing Board

Festive Charcuterie Boards are going to be the hit of your party. Wow your guests with a little creativity and your favorite meats and cheeses.

>> See the recipe

Christmas Wreath Cheese Board

This Christmas Wreath Cheese Board is the perfect appetizer for the Holidays. Easy to make and customizable! Looks impressive yet easy to make.

>> See the recipe

Fresh Fruit Platter Extraordinaire

Fresh fruit platters and fruit trays don’t have to be boring and lifeless. There are many ways to make them look extraordinary and elicit those “WOW” moments! We give you the ultimate fruit platter presentation ideas and how to put it together.. 

>>See the recipe

Seafood Party Platter

Party Season is almost upon us! This make-ahead Seafood Party Platter with three different dips is sure to go down a treat!

>> See the recipe

Grilled Fruit Platter with 2 Sauces

This Grilled Fruit Platter is a fun crowd-pleaser full of smoky, caramelized grilled fruit, nuts, herbs and two special sauces to make the ultimate sundae!

>> See the recipe

Christmas Charcuterie Board

This simple DIY Christmas Tree Caprese Board is such an easy idea! If you’re wondering how to make a charcuterie board that will appeal to a crowd this holiday meat and cheese platter has something for everyone.

>> See the recipe

Easy Marinated Olives & Cheese Appetizer Ring

Entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy marinated olives and cheese ring appetizer is beautiful and delicious. It is the perfect appetizer for the holidays, parties, or wine night! Make it for your next special occasion!

>> See the recipe

CONCLUSION

Making the perfect party platter doesn’t have to be difficult. Armed with this information, plus the 12 great platter ideas above, you should be crafting beautiful charcuterie boards and finger food platters in no time.

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