Ready to build the party platter of your dreams? Stick around and I’ll show you exactly how to do it. From what yummy food to include, to how to make it look AMAZING. I’ve got everything covered. And don’t worry, it may look fancy, but literally takes minutes to throw together. So super easy,  your next party is going to rock. Let’s do this – woo hoo!

To start with…

You’re going to need a round platter, and it’s gotta be BIG! We want all your yummy ingredients to fit, without being squished. Wooden or dark coloured platters look awesome. I picked up a super cool round concrete platter from Kmart for $10, and use it for pretty much EVERYTHING. While you’re at it, pick up a couple of ceramic bowls for things like marinated olives or grilled veggies, so they don’t drown your other yummy ingredients.

Let’s get this platter started…

Next stop, the ingredients. The golden rule…a mixture of flavor, texture and colours.

Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds. All you need is some cheese and meat along with something sweet, salty and spicy.

Let’s break it down.

Cheese

The French have a tradition of serving an odd number of cheeses, like three, five or seven. I’m not one to break with tradition, so three cheeses it is (seven and you’re just asking for trouble!)

So what cheese should I choose?

Just make sure they all have a different texture and taste. Think a soft cheese like brie or camembert, a semi hard cheese, like an aged cheddar or gouda, and a specialty cheese spiked with something totally delicious like truffle or fruit.

Meat

A trip to the deli counter can be overwhelming. There’s so much to choose from. To help you out, I have put together a list of party platter meats. All you need to do is choose 3, and your done…how easy is that? And if you have any questions, just ask at the deli – you’ve totally got this!

Chorizo is a cured Spanish sausage made from pork, it’s totally yum (kind of like cabana, but for grown ups). Just make sure you pick up the dried ready to eat kind.

Pancetta is the Italian version of bacon, sliced from the pork belly and cured for at least 3 months with salt and spices.

Prosciutto is like pancetta, but comes from the pork leg, and is sliced melt in your mouth thin. It’s salted and aged for at least 18 months. Hot tip, pan fried crispy prosciutto will change your life (save yourself some).

Ham off the bone no explanation required. Ham is a great option if you are catering for the less adventurous.

Salami is another type of cured sausage made with pork, beef or veal. You can usually buy salami mild or hot, so it’s a great way of adding an extra kick to your platter.

Sopressa is like salami, but made with pork and pressed during the drying process, to give it a cool oval shape.

Something Sweet

This one is, super easy. Just load up with some seasonal fresh fruit. Summer is great for grapes and berries, and in winter, you can’t beat pears and figs – so YUM! I don’t eat dried fruit (too much sugar for me), but dates or dried apricots are a super easy way to add sweetness to your platter. Plus you probably have them in your cupboard already. BONUS!

Something Salty

There’s a few options here olives, pickled vegetables or caperberries. Even a hand full of salted nuts would do the trick.

Something Spicy

Some like it hot, so don’t forget something spicy for your platter. I’m talking stuffed peppers, olives marinated with chili, hot salami or sopressa, or chili infused cheese.

 A little something on the side…

Finally, grab some bread or crackers to pop in a bowl next to your platter. Cheese purists prefer bread (a crusty baguette or ciabatta loaf is perfect). Me? As long as it lands cheese in my mouth, I’m easy. If you go with crackers, pick something plain so it won’t overpower the taste of the cheese. Gluten free guests? Pick up some rice crackers, so they don’t miss out.

How much should I buy?

Don’t go overboard. 1-2 pieces per person is plenty to make sure no one goes hungry before the main event.

How do I make my platter look fabulous?

Guys, I have so got you covered. All you need to do is follow this simple step by step guide and wa-lah! An awesome totally instagramable party platter within minutes.

Oh and no one needs to know how easy it is. I won’t tell if you don’t…shhhhhhh!

Step 1 – Put your 3 cheeses on the board at 12, 5, and 7 o’clock.

Step 2 – Lay your meat on the right side of each piece of cheese.

Step 3 – Fill in the gaps at 3 and 11 o’clock, with your something sweet, or other goodies. I have used grapes and fresh strawberries.

Step 4 – If you have any bowls place one at 6 and one in the middle of the board. Slightly off centre looks best.

So what’s on my party platter?

1. Camembert Cheese
2. Shaved ham off the bone
3. Fresh Strawberries
4. Aged Sharp Cheddar
5. Prosciutto
6. Olives
7. Spiced Gouda
8. Sopressa
9. Grapes
10. Stuffed peppadew peppers

 I’d love to hear what you put on your party platters? Let me know in the comments below. I’m always looking for inspiration.

If you make an awesome party platter, remember to share it with me on Instagram. I love seeing and sharing your creations. Find me at @youtotallygotthis and use the hastag #youtotallygotthis so I can find you!