When you’re hosting an event, it’s important to make sure all your guests feel welcome and cared for. A snack platter is a great way to create an informal and cozy atmosphere, but how do you know exactly how many people you can serve with one snack platter? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of snack platters and give you insight into the factors that influence the amount of treats you need. Whether you’re planning a small get-together or a larger party, our tips will ensure that no one goes home hungry. Let’s discover together how to get the most out of your snack platter!
What is a drinks board?
A snack platter is a tasty and visually appealing collection of various snacks that is often served at a drink or an informal gathering. It offers the perfect opportunity to combine different flavors and textures and invites conviviality and togetherness. Snack platters are a popular part of Dutch food culture these days and come in all sorts of variations and styles.
Origin of the Borrelplank
The origins of the borrelplank go back to the traditional drinks in the Netherlands, where it was common to have a snack with a drink. This phenomenon has evolved into the current borrelplanken, which are not only filled with simple snacks, but also with refined and artisanal products. The rise of borrelplanken in restaurants and cafés has contributed to their growing popularity in social situations, from birthdays to business events.
Types of Snacks on a Snack Board
A snack platter can include a wide variety of snacks, depending on the occasion and personal preference. Here are some popular categories of snacks that are often presented on a snack platter:
Charcuterie
- Meats: Think prosciutto, salami of Salumeria Biellese or chorizo from House of La Vera.
- Pate: A delicious home-made liver pate or duck pate.
Cheese
- Cheeses: Different types of cheese such as old cheese from Beemster, letter from Millefoglie or blue veined cheese from Roquefort.
- Cheese dip: A creamy cheese dip like a Gruyère fondue.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fresh cut vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers and peppers with hummus from Hummus Bros.
- Fruit: Grapes, figs and apple slices to balance the flavors.
Nuts and Seeds
- Roasted nuts: Almonds and cashew nuts from Rijck or mixed nuts from The Nut Shop.
- Seed mix: A mix of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Bread and Crackers
- Artisanal breads: Freshly baked baguette from the Bakery van der Linde or sourdough bread from Bakery of the Avenue.
- Crackers: Healthy crackers like those from Rudolph's or Wasa.
The Popularity of Snack Boards
The popularity of snack boards has increased exponentially in recent years, partly due to their simplicity and versatility. They are ideal for various occasions:
- Birthdays: A drinks platter with various snacks creates a festive atmosphere.
- Corporate meetings: A neat presentation of snacks can create a professional impression.
- Family gatherings: Enjoy delicious treats together.
Practical Examples
When putting together a snack platter, it is important to vary in flavors and textures. Here are some tips for putting together your ideal snack platter:
- Choose a theme: Go for a specific theme, like Mediterranean with olives, feta, and tzatziki.
- Variation in presentation: Use wooden planks from Dill & Chamomile or marble bowls of Hema For a stylish presentation.
- Combine flavors: Try combining sweet and savory flavors, such as a honey dip with the cheese.
By integrating these elements and products you can create a snack platter that is not only delicious, but also a real feast for the eyes.
Factors that influence the number of guests
When serving snack platters, it is important to consider several factors that affect the number of guests you can serve. These factors range from the size of the snack platter and the types of snacks to the eating habits of the guests. In this section, we will explore these factors in more detail.
Size of the Snack Board
The size of the snack board plays a crucial role in the number of guests you can serve. A larger board offers more space for various snacks and can serve more guests. Here are some guidelines:
- Small drinks platter (up to 4 persons)
Ideal for an intimate setting, such as a cozy evening with friends. An example is the Drinks Time Mini Plank, which is sufficient for a few snacks such as olives, cheese cubes and sausages. - Medium-sized snack platter (4-8 persons)
Suitable for a small party or a meeting. The Gourmet Plank Large of the brand The Nut Tree offers a variety of nuts, dried fruits and cheeses, perfect for a group. - Large drinks platter (8+ persons)
For larger events a generous plank is necessary. The Festive Snack Board XXL from Burgundian Enjoyment can serve up to 20 guests, with an abundance of snacks such as chips, nachos, and various dips.
Types of Snacks
The choice of snacks on the snack board not only affects the taste, but also the amount you need. It is important to find a balance between different types of snacks:
- Cheeses: Vary with hard and soft cheeses. Brands such as Beemster and Old Amsterdam offer excellent options.
- Meat products: Think salami, prosciutto and chorizo. Duke Jan offers a nice selection of cold cuts that go perfectly with snack platters.
- Vegetables and Dips: Healthy options like hummus from Dill & Chamomile or guacamole are popular. Adding chopped vegetables like carrots and cucumbers can also be appealing.
- Sweets: Don't forget the sweets. Chocolate from Tony's Chocolonely can be a delicious addition.
Eating Habits of the Guests
Your guests’ eating habits are essential in determining how many platters you’ll need. It’s important to know if your guests are vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, for example. Here are some considerations:
- Vegetarian options: Make sure there are plenty of vegetarian snacks such as grilled vegetables, cheese and nuts.
- Vegan options: Consider offering hummus, guacamole, and a variety of fruits.
- Allergies and dietary requirements: It is essential to consider allergies, such as nuts or gluten. Ensure clear labelling of snacks.
Occasions for Snack Boards
The type of occasion also influences the number of guests you can serve and the composition of the drinks platter:
- Parties and Birthdays: Large social events where you often welcome many guests. An XXL snack platter is ideal here.
- Corporate events: For meetings or networking events, a medium-sized platter can be ideal, with more refined snacks such as cheese and cold cuts.
- Intimate Dinners: For a smaller occasion with friends or family, a small drinks platter is sufficient.
Example of a Snack Board Composition
| Snack category | Sample product | Number per plank (for 8 persons) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeses | Beemster 48+ and Old Amsterdam | 300g total |
| Meats | Hertog Jan Salami and Prosciutto | 200g total |
| Vegetables | Dill & Chamomile Hummus and chopped vegetables | 500g total |
| Sweets | Tony's Chocolonely bars | 2-3 bars |
By considering these factors, you can effectively determine how many guests you can serve with a snack platter and ensure that everyone can enjoy the delicious snacks you offer.
Average Number of Guests per Snack Platter
When putting together a snack platter, it is important to know how many guests you can serve. This depends on several factors, such as the size of the snack platter, the types of snacks and drinks you offer, and the eating habits of your guests. In this section, we will provide an estimate of the average number of people you can serve with a standard snack platter, including guidelines and examples.
Standard snack board
A standard snack board usually contains a variety of snacks and drinks. For a typical snack board you can think of the following quantities:
- Cheese: 200-300 grams, preferably a mix of hard and soft cheeses such as old cheese (for example Belegen Gouda) and brie.
- Meats: 150-250 grams, such as salami, prosciutto, and chorizo.
- Vegetables: 200-250 grams, including cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and carrots.
- Dip sauces: 100-150 grams, such as hummus and tzatziki.
- Bread: 200-300 grams, for example baguette or pita bread.
This means that a standard snack platter is usually suitable for 4 to 6 people. This depends on the occasion, such as an after-work drink or a party.
Comparison of Different Types of Snack Boards
You can consider different types of snack boards, depending on your guests' preferences. Below you will find a comparison of vegetarian, meat and fish snack boards.
| Type: Snack board | Number of Guests | Recommended Ingredients | Sample Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | 4-6 | Vegetables, cheese, olives, nuts, dips | – Mature cheese from Leerdammer |
| – Hummus from Hummus Bros | |||
| Meat | 4-6 | Cheese, various meats, bread | – Salami from Casa di Vino |
| – Chorizo from Casa de España | |||
| Fish | 4-6 | Smoked salmon, anchovies, shrimps, bread | – Smoked salmon from De Jong |
| – Anchovies from La Gondola |
Specific Examples of Snacks and Drinks
When putting together a snack board, consider using popular products that are often well received. Here are some suggestions:
- Cheese:
- Leerdammer Mature cheese
- Brie from President
- Meats:
- Serrano ham from Campofrio
- Salami from Van Drunen
- Vegetables:
- Cherry tomatoes from the brand Nature's Pride
- Cucumbers from the Greenery brand
- Dips:
- Hummus from Hummus Bros
- Guacamole from Wholly Guacamole
- Bread:
- Baguette from the local baker or AH
- Pita breads from the brand Osem
Tips for Composing the Snack Platter
To ensure your drinks platter is a success, consider the following tips:
- Variety in flavors: Ensure a balance of savory, sweet and spicy flavors.
- Presentation: Use a nice wooden board or a marble platter for an attractive presentation.
- Allergies and Preferences: Please consider any allergies or dietary requirements your guests may have when choosing ingredients.
By following these guidelines and examples, you can create a snack platter that is not only delicious, but also provides an enjoyable experience for all of your guests.
Conclusion: The ideal number of guests per snack platter
In conclusion, the number of people you can serve with one snack platter depends on several factors, such as the size of the platter, the types of snacks you choose, and the appetite of your guests. In general, you can count on about 4 to 6 people for a regular snack platter, but with a more extensive selection, this number can increase to 8 or more. We encourage you to be creative and create your own unique snack platter. Experiment with different ingredients and presentation forms to make your next party unforgettable. Enjoy the process and especially the fun!
