When planning a social gathering, choosing the right appetizers is essential to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Snack platters have become a popular choice, and for good reason. Not only do they offer a variety of flavors, they are also a great way to bring people together. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the concept of snack platters and help you determine how many people you can serve with your snack platter. Furthermore, we will give you valuable tips on what to look for when putting together the perfect snack platter, so that you can surprise and delight every guest. Let’s discover together how you can make your next event unforgettable!
What is a drinks board?
A borrelplank, also known as a borrelplateau or snackplank, is a carefully composed platter consisting of a variety of snacks and treats. These platters are not only a feast for the eyes, but also a feast for the taste buds. They are perfect for social events, such as drinks, parties or informal gatherings, and offer an excellent way to welcome and entertain guests.
Ingredients of a snack platter
The composition of a snack board can vary greatly, depending on the preferences of the guests and the season. Below are some common ingredients that are often used:
- Cheeses: A selection of different cheeses is essential for a snack platter. Think of:
- Brie: Creamy and smooth, a favourite with many.
- Gouda cheese: A classic Dutch cheese with a full flavour.
- Blue cheese: For the adventurous eater, with a strong, spicy flavour.
- Meats: Topped meat adds a savory touch to the platter.
- Prosciutto: Thin slices of this Italian ham are a luxurious addition.
- Salami: A popular choice because of its versatility and taste.
- Vegetables: Freshly cut vegetables provide a fresh contrast.
- Cucumber: Refreshing and crisp.
- Bell pepper: For a sweet and colorful addition.
- Dip sauces: A selection of dips completes the experience.
- Hummus: A popular chickpea dip that goes well with vegetables.
- Tzatziki: A fresh yoghurt dip with cucumber and garlic.
- Nuts and olives: These are perfect for a savory crunch.
- Almonds: Roasted for extra flavor.
- Green olives: For a salty, umami experience.
Different styles of snack boards
There are many ways to style a snack board, depending on the theme of the event and the presentation. Some popular styles include:
- Mediterranean snack platter: With a focus on olives, feta, hummus and pita bread.
- Italian drinks board: A combination of antipasti, such as bruschetta, mozzarella, and various cold cuts.
- Vegan drinks board: Contains a selection of vegetables, hummus, nuts and vegan cheeses such as those from Willicroft.
- Sweet snack platter: For those who love sweets, with fruit, chocolate, and nuts.
Origin of the snack board
The snack platter originates from Dutch culture, where conviviality and eating together are highly valued. The idea of bringing different snacks together on one platter comes from the need to bring people together and stimulate conversation. The rise of snack platters also has to do with the trend of informal eateries and the popularity of drinks and wine evenings.
Why is the drinks platter so popular?
The popularity of the drinks platter can be explained by several factors:
- Social interaction: Sharing a drinks platter encourages conversation and strengthens the bond between guests.
- Flexibility: Snack platters can easily be adapted to specific dietary requirements or preferences.
- Visual appeal: A beautifully presented drinks platter is a real eye-catcher and makes every event special.
Practical examples of snack platters
Below are some examples of brands and products you can use to create an impressive drinks platter:
| Ingredient | Brand/Product | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | Beemster | A delicious farm cheese with a nutty flavour. |
| Meats | Citterio | High quality Italian salami and prosciutto. |
| Hummus | Hummus & Co. | Organic hummus, available in different flavors. |
| Olives | Kalamata Olives | Black olives with a rich, full flavour. |
| Nuts | Bergsma | Roasted almonds, perfect for a crunchy addition. |
With this information you can put together a delicious drinks platter that will certainly surprise and spoil your guests.
How many people can you serve with a snack board?
A snack platter is a great way to welcome guests to an event, whether it’s a birthday party, a get-together with friends, or a business meeting. But the question remains: How many people can you actually serve with a snack platter? In this section, we’ll discuss guidelines for how many people you can serve, depending on the occasion and the ingredients you choose.
Portion Sizes and Number of Guests
The portion size of a snack platter can vary depending on the occasion and the type of guests you are hosting. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
- Small gathering (2-4 people): For an intimate snack platter, consider a selection of 3-5 different types of cheeses, 2-3 types of cold cuts, a few dips like hummus or guacamole, and an assortment of nuts and olives. A popular brand for cheeses is Leerdammer, while Bertolli offers an excellent choice for olives.
- Average gathering (5-10 people): For a larger group you can scale up the portions. Think of 5-7 different cheeses, 4-5 types of cold cuts, a few types of bread such as French bread. Bakery Peters, and additional dips. A selection of fruits, such as grapes or figs, can also complement the board.
- Large events (10+ people): For larger groups, consider creating multiple snack platters. A combination of 10-12 different items, including different types of cheese, cold cuts, and a variety of veggies and dips is ideal. Brands like House of Snacks offer ready-made snack mixes that are perfect for such occasions.
The Role of Variety in Ingredients
The variety of ingredients on your snack platter plays a crucial role in the number of people you can serve. The more diverse the choice, the more attractive the platter will be to your guests. Here are some tips for putting together a varied snack platter:
- Cheeses: Vary in type and flavor. For example, use Old Amsterdam for a spicy cheese, and Camembert for a creamy option.
- Meats: Combine different types of meat, such as Parma ham, Salami, and Chorizo. This creates an interesting texture and flavor.
- Vegetables and Dips: Add raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, along with dips such as Hummus from Duyvis or guacamole from Avocado2Go.
Example of a Snack Board for 10 People
Here's an overview of how to put together a drinks platter for 10 people:
| Ingredient | Number of Pieces | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeses | 5 types | Leerdammer, Old Amsterdam, Camembert |
| Meats | 4 types | Parma ham, Salami, Chorizo, Serrano ham |
| Bread | 2 types | Baguette from Bakkerij Peters, Crispy Crackers |
| Dips | 3 types | Hummus from Duyvis, Guacamole from Avocado2Go, Tzatziki |
| Nuts and Olives | 300 grams total | Olives from Bertolli, Mixed nuts from House of Snacks |
| Fruit | 200 grams total | Grapes, Figs |
With these guidelines and examples, you can create a snack platter that is not only sufficient for the number of guests, but also creates a festive atmosphere. Make sure to take into account dietary requirements and allergies of your guests, so that everyone can enjoy this culinary experience.
Factors affecting the number of people to be served
When composing a drinks board, it is essential to consider various factors that influence the capacity and attractiveness of the board. In this section, we will discuss these factors in detail, so that you can optimally respond to the wishes of your guests.
Type of event
The nature of the event plays a crucial role in determining the number of people to be served and the type of drinks platter you put together.
- Birthday party: At a birthday party there is often an informal atmosphere. A drinks platter with a mix of snacks such as Old Amsterdam cheese, chorizo and olives can be very popular. Count on about five to seven snacks per person, depending on the length of the party.
- Business meeting: For a business meeting it is important to offer a more refined plank. Think of smoked salmon, Brie and mini quichesA good guideline is to provide three to five snacks per person, so that the conversation and networking opportunities are not disrupted by too much food.
Eating habits of the guests
Your guests' eating habits also play an important role. It is essential to take dietary preferences and allergies into account.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Make sure there are plenty of plant-based options, such as hummus, guacamole and vegetables. Brands such as Alpro offer delicious plant-based spreads that are perfect for a drinks platter.
- Gluten Free: For guests with gluten intolerance, you can choose gluten-free crackers from Dab or Rice cakesThis ensures that everyone can enjoy the drinks platter without worrying about allergies.
Time of day
The time of day will affect the type and amount of food you serve.
- Brunch: For brunch, consider a combination of sweet and savory items. A healthier option might be to soft cheese from Danone with fresh fruit and nuts, along with savory options such as mini sandwiches with avocado or egg salad.
- Evening meal: In the evening, there is a higher expectation that guests will feel satisfied after the drinks. It can be useful to offer more filling snacks, such as mini burgers from Burgers' Zoo or an assortment of tapasYou can then count on eight to ten snacks per person.
Role of side dishes and drinks
Side dishes and drinks also contribute significantly to the experience of the drinks platter.
- Side dishes: Consider adding side dishes such as tortilla chips from Doritos with salsa or bruschettaThese can enrich the taste experience and provide guests with more options for combinations.
- Drinks: The choice of drinks may vary depending on the event. For a festive occasion, Prosecco or mojitos from Bacardi fit well. In a business setting, soft drinks and mineral water are often more suitable. It is advisable to keep an eye on the ratio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, depending on your guests.
Summary of key factors
| Factor | Influence on drinks board | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Type of event | Determines the informal or formal setup | Mix of appetizers, such as cheese and chorizo for parties, sophisticated snacks for business meetings. |
| Eating habits | Need for variety and dietary options | Plant-based options, gluten-free offerings. |
| Time of day | Determining types of snacks | Sweet and savory options for brunch, more filling snacks for dinner. |
| Side dishes & drinks | Enhances the overall experience | Tortilla chips, Prosecco or soft drinks. |
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a snack platter that not only meets the dining needs of your guests but also enhances the atmosphere of your event.
Conclusion: The ideal number of guests for a perfect drinks platter
In conclusion, the number of people you can serve with a snack platter depends on several factors, such as the size of the platter, the types of snacks, and the occasion. In general, you can expect to serve around 4 to 6 people per standard snack platter, but this can vary based on the variety and portion size. It is crucial to tailor the number of guests and the nature of the gathering to ensure a successful drinks experience. Make sure to provide enough and varied options so that every guest can enjoy the treats. By following these recommendations, you can create a memorable drinks party that contributes to a cozy and sociable atmosphere.
