Party food platters are the ideal way to feed guests at any gathering, and whether you want to make your own or buy them ready to go, choose Redner’s Markets in Camden, DE, for affordable products that won’t disappoint.
Making Party Food Platters
If you decide to make your own party food platters, balance is key. Make sure to include a depth of flavor and texture while considering the importance of presentation. Read on for a few tips about crafting your own party food trays.
Consider the Event
The type of event that you’re hosting should drive the party platter configuration. Imagine the difference between a platter prepared for a Super Bowl party versus that planned for a wedding shower. Also consider the guests – their number, dietary restrictions, and preferences. Is the event being held at mealtime? The timing is crucial in determining how hearty of a meal is appropriate.
Incorporate Plenty of Variety
Party platters should include ample variety so that you can cater to all of your guests’ dietary preferences and needs.
- Cheese trays – choose your cheeses thoughtfully, including soft and hard cheeses, light options and sharper ones. This style of tray should also include a bit of sliced, fresh fruit and crackers.
- Charcuterie trays – incorporate cured meat like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni alongside cheeses, spreads, and pickles. A bit of fruit – fresh or dried – enhance the depth of the tray as well.
- Vegetable trays – healthier and perfect for dipping, a vegetable tray should consist of carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes alongside a yummy dip like ranch or hummus.
- Fruit trays – sweet and healthy, a fruit tray provides a great complement to a table full of savory dishes. The tray should focus on seasonal fruits for optimal taste.
- Finger food trays – sliders, wraps, hoagies, chicken nuggets, wings, and other finger foods are terrific options for food trays for parties.
Pay Attention to Presentation
Party platters need to appeal to your guests visually. If you’re making a platter, begin by selecting a tray that is large enough to hold everything you plan to place on it and display it appropriately. When laying out the items for your tray, consider the details.
- Grouping – keep similar items together and stack them at different heights to add depth
- Color – the tray should have a plethora of colors and promote contrast and balance
- Garnishes – herbs, flowers, nuts, olives, and small dishes to hold dips will enhance the visual effect of the tray as well.
Plan for Serving
The trays that you create need to make self-service simple. Party platters shouldn’t require a full plate and utensil service in order to eat. The goal is not a buffet style dinner; the goal is to make it easier to fill a plate and mingle while eating.
The plans should include consideration for how many guests will be eating, and each platter should be sufficient to serve all of those guests. A large event with many guests merit several platters of the same time with a few food stations so that you don’t have a traffic jam at the food table.
Would you prefer to buy party food platters in Camden, DE instead of making them? Click here to place an order with the deli, bakery, seafood, or produce departments at Redner’s Markets.