When you’re hosting a tapas party, you want to make sure all your guests feel welcome and satisfied. However, preparing an assortment of snack platters can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know exactly how much to stock. It’s understandable that you want everyone to enjoy the delicious flavors without having too much or too little. In this blog post, we’ll help you make a good estimate of the snack platter you’ll need for your party, so you can create an unforgettable evening for you and your loved ones.
What is a Borrelplank?
A snack platter is a tasty and visually appealing dish that is often served during social occasions, such as parties, drinks or informal dinners. The concept revolves around sharing different types of snacks, which together create a festive and cozy atmosphere. This ensures that guests can actively participate in choosing their favorite treats, which promotes interaction.
Different Elements of a Snack Board
A well-composed snack platter typically includes a variety of components, including charcuterie, vegetables, dips, and cheese. Each of these elements contributes to the overall experience and ensures that there is something for everyone.
Charcuterie
Charcuterie refers to an assortment of meats. This can include:
- Salami: For example the Salami Milano, which is known for its rich flavor and soft texture.
- Prosciutto: The Italian dried ham, such as Prosciutto di Parma, is perfect for a luxurious touch.
- ChorizoThis spicy Spanish sausage, like Iberian Chorizo, adds a robust flavor to the plank.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are an essential addition to the snack platter. They not only provide a colorful presentation, but also a healthy option. Consider the following vegetables:
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, perfect for snacking.
- Cucumber: Fresh and refreshing, ideal to combine with dips.
- Carrot sticks: Crispy and healthy; an excellent choice for a colorful presentation.
Dips
Dips are a great way to add extra flavor to your snack platter. Here are some popular choices:
- Hummus: For example the Hummus from Maza in different flavors such as paprika or garlic.
- Guacamole: The Old El Paso Guacamole is a delicious, creamy option that pairs well with tortilla chips.
- TzatzikiThis Greek yogurt dip, like Tzatziki from Olympos, is a refreshing addition.
Cheese
Cheese is a must on a snack platter. There are countless types you can consider:
- Brie: A soft French cheese, such as Brie de Meaux, which with its creamy texture is a real treat.
- Gorgonzola: This blue cheese offers a strong, spicy flavor that pairs well with nuts and honey.
- Cheddar: The Mature Cheddar from Cathedral City is a popular choice because of its rich, full flavor.
Creating the Perfect Snack Platter
When putting together your snack platter, it is important to find a balance between the different flavors and textures. Here are some tips to put together the perfect snack platter:
- Variety: Provide a mix of meats, vegetables, dips and cheeses.
- Colour: Use a variety of colors to make the presentation attractive.
- Portion size: Cut appetizers into small portions so that guests can easily choose.
- Creativity: Add unique items such as Olives from Kettle&Fire or Artisan Crackers from Peter's Yard, to make it extra special.
Sample Drinking Board
Below is an example of how to put together a simple yet impressive drinks platter:
| Component | Sample Product |
|---|---|
| Charcuterie | Salami Milano, Prosciutto di Parma, Chorizo Ibérico |
| Vegetables | Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrot sticks |
| Dips | Hummus from Maza, Guacamole from Old El Paso, Tzatziki from Olympos |
| Cheese | Brie de Meaux, Gorgonzola, Mature Cheddar from Cathedral City |
By considering the above elements and tips, you can create a snack platter that is not only tasty, but also a feast for the eyes. A snack platter offers an informal and cozy way to come together, enjoy good flavors and enjoy each other's company.
Number of Guests and Their Eating Habits
When organizing a party, the number of guests and their eating habits is a crucial aspect that influences the composition and quantity of the party platter. It is essential to take into account different preferences, diets and appetites to ensure that everyone can enjoy the delicacies you offer.
Determining the Number of Guests
Before you start putting together your snack platter, it is important to get a clear picture of the number of guests. This will not only help you determine the total amount of food, but also help you select specific items to offer.
Tips for Estimating the Number of Guests
- RSVP system: Ask your guests to let you know in advance if they will be attending. This can be done via a digital invitation or a simple phone call.
- Consider no-shows: Please note that not everyone who has confirmed will actually come. An estimate of 10% extra may be wise.
- Group size: Consider the composition of the group. Are they friends, family or colleagues? This can influence their eating habits.
Eating Habits of Guests
Guests may have different eating habits and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergies. It is important to take this into account when putting together your snack platter.
Different Diets and How to Adapt to Them
- Vegetarian: Provide a selection of vegetables and dips. Brands such as Hummus & More offer different flavors of hummus that are perfect for a snack platter.
- Vegan: Besides hummus, you can also make guacamole from Avocado Lovers or nut butters like those from Nutbutter Co. to offer.
- Gluten Free: Avoid regular crackers and opt for gluten-free options such as those from Rude Health or Dab. These are not only gluten free, but also tasty.
- Allergies: Ask in advance if there are guests with specific allergies and provide alternatives.
Examples of Snack Board Items
| Type Food | Sample Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Hummus | Classic Hummus | Hummus & More |
| Guacamole | Avocado Guacamole | Avocado Lovers |
| Crackers | Gluten Free Crackers | Dab |
| Cheese | Old Amsterdam Cheese | Old Amsterdam |
| Nut mix | Salted Nut Mix | Nuts About Nuts |
Appetite of Guests
Your guests’ appetites may also vary. Some guests may have smaller appetites, while others may want to snack more. It’s a good idea to accommodate this by offering a variety of sizes and portions.
How to Deal with Different Appetites
- Small Portions: Use small plates or bowls so guests can try different items without feeling full.
- Buffet style: Consider a buffet style setting where guests can control their portions. This works well for groups with different eating habits and preferences.
- Extra Snacks: Provide a few extra snacks, such as popcorn from Propercorn or tortilla chips from Tortilla Chips Co., which you can offer as a supplement.
By carefully considering the number of guests and their eating habits, you can create a snack platter that not only meets everyone's dietary needs, but also their appetites, ensuring a successful and tasty gathering.
Quantity per Person
Guidelines for Snacks
When organizing an event, it is important to consider the amount of snacks you want to offer per person. This largely depends on the type of event and its duration. Below are some guidelines for different scenarios, so that you can treat your guests in the right way.
Drinks moment
For a drinks event, where guests socialize with a drink, it is customary to offer a selection of snacks. The recommended amount of snacks per person is usually between 6 and 10 pieces. This can vary depending on the duration of the event and the number of drinks served.
Examples of Snacks
- Cheese board: Serve an assortment of different cheeses such as Beemster, Gorgonzola and Brie, supplemented with nuts and fig jam.
- Olives and Tapenade: A mix of green and black olives, possibly with a home-made tapenade of Black Olives from the Italian Coast.
- Mini Quiches: Small quiches filled with spinach, salmon or ham. Brands such as Hema or Albert Heijn offer ready-made options.
Meal time
At a meal time, for example a dinner or buffet, the guideline is different. Here you can count on about 3 to 5 different snacks per person. These snacks can be more filling, and can also serve as a starter.
Examples of Meal Snacks
- Stuffed Peppers: Small peppers filled with rice, minced meat and spices. You can choose the AH Private Label for an affordable option.
- Chicken skewers: Marinated chicken skewers from Jumbo, which are easy to prepare and taste good.
- Shrimp Cocktail: A classic that is always a hit; use North Sea prawns for a fresh and local product.
Specific Portion Sizes
It is not only important to know how many bites to offer per person, but also to estimate the portion size of each bite. Here are some recommendations:
| Type Snack | Portion Size Per Person | Number of Persons | Total Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese board | 50g per person | 10 | 500g |
| Mini Quiches | 2 pieces per person | 10 | 20 pieces |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 100g per person | 10 | 1 kg |
Additional Tips
- Vary in flavors: Make sure there are both savory and sweet snacks available to suit different tastes.
- Allergies and dietary requirements: Please take into account any dietary requirements of your guests, such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten intolerant.
- Presentation: A beautiful presentation can increase the appeal of your appetizers. Use beautiful dishes and garnishes to make your appetizers attractive.
By following these guidelines and considering the specific needs of your guests, you can ensure that everyone enjoys a delicious and flavorful experience.
The right amount for a successful tapas party
In conclusion, it is important to calculate the right amount of snack platter for a successful tapas party. As a rule of thumb, you can count on about 150 to 200 grams of snacks per person, depending on their appetite and preferences. Don't forget to vary with different types of tapas, so that you can satisfy everyone's taste. We encourage you to be creative and experiment with different ingredients and presentations. This way, you will make your tapas party a unique and unforgettable experience for your guests. Have fun organizing and enjoying your party!
