When looking for the perfect gift, it can sometimes be a challenge to find something that is both personal and practical. A drinks board, with its versatility and charm, seems like an attractive option. In this blog post, we want to guide you through the pros and cons of giving a drinks board as a gift. Whether you want to surprise a friend, family member or colleague, we will help you explore the possibilities of this popular gift so that you can make an informed choice that is sure to please.
What is a drinks board?
A snack platter is a great way to create an informal and cozy atmosphere during a gathering with friends, family or colleagues. It is an assortment of different delicacies that is usually served as a snack with a drink. The composition of a snack platter can vary, but there are a few basic elements that often return.
Composition of a snack board
A typical snack platter consists of a mix of savoury and sweet snacks, so there is something for everyone. Here are some common ingredients and examples:
- Cheeses:
- Brie: A creamy French cheese that melts deliciously in the mouth.
- Gouda: A firm cheese with a rich flavour, perfect for the enthusiast.
- Blue cheese: For those who like a strong taste, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola.
- Meats:
- Salami: For example, the Italian Felino salami, with its spicy taste.
- Prosciutto: Thin slices of this Italian ham are a delicacy.
- Chorizo: A spicy Spanish sausage that gives an extra kick to your plank.
- Nuts:
- Almonds: Roasted or salted for a nice crunch.
- Walnuts: For an earthy flavour that goes well with cheese.
- Cashew nuts: Creamy and slightly sweet, perfect as a complement.
- Dips:
- Hummus: A popular choice, made from chickpeas and tahini.
- Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that goes great with tortilla chips.
- Pesto: A tasty basil dip that can be used as a spread.
- Bread and Crackers:
- Baguette: Freshly baked, ideal to combine with dips and cheese.
- Crackers: Such as the crispy Wasa crackers or the luxurious crackers from Delicados.
Presentation of the Borrelplank
The way a snack platter is presented is at least as important as the content. An attractive presentation can significantly enhance the dining experience. Here are some tips for a beautiful presentation:
- Use a large wooden board: This gives a rustic look and offers enough space for all your goodies.
- Grouping of ingredients: Place cheese and deli meats on one side, nuts and dips on the other, and fill the empty spaces with bread and crackers.
- Color and variation: Make sure to mix colors and textures to make it visually appealing. Think green avocado, yellow cheese, and red salami.
The Social Aspect of Sharing
A snack platter is not only a tasty selection of snacks, but also a great way to encourage social interaction. Sharing a snack platter creates an informal setting where guests can easily engage in conversation.
- Enjoy together: Eating together from the same plank creates a sense of togetherness and conviviality.
- Getting conversations going: Choosing snacks and sharing preferences can lead to interesting conversations and sharing stories.
- Ideal for parties and events: A drinks platter is perfect for any occasion, from a birthday party to a casual after-work drink.
Examples of Popular Snack Boards
Below is a comparison of different types of snack boards that you may want to consider:
| Type: Snack board | Ingredients | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese board | Various types of cheese, nuts, and grapes | Cheese lovers |
| Meat platter | Salami, prosciutto, chorizo, and olives | Meat lovers |
| Vegetarian platter | Hummus, veggie sticks, nuts, and crackers | Vegetarians |
| Sweet snack platter | Chocolate, dried fruit, and sweet crackers | For those with a sweet tooth |
A drinks platter is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a wonderful way to be together and enjoy each other's company.
Benefits of a Snack Board as a Gift
A snack board is not only a tasty addition to any occasion, but also an extremely suitable gift. In this section, we will discuss the various benefits of giving a snack board as a gift, examining its versatility, ease of composition, the appeal of a shared moment and the possibility of personalization.
Versatility of the Borrelplank
One of the biggest advantages of a snack board is its enormous versatility. You can easily adjust the snack board to the preferences of the recipient. There are countless combination possibilities with regard to the products that you can add.
- Cheeses: Think of well-known brands such as Old Amsterdam, Leerdammer and CamembertThese cheeses are popular and fit well on any drinks platter.
- Meats: For example, add Serrano ham, Salami Napoli or Chorizo for the meat lovers.
- Nuts and olives: Brands such as Pine Nut and Green Olive Co. offer a variety of nuts and olives that complete the board.
- Bread and crackers: Take an assortment of Tuc crackers and fresh baguettes to combine the flavors.
Ease of Assembly
Putting together a snack board is easy and doesn't require extensive cooking skills, making it an ideal gift for anyone, regardless of their culinary expertise.
- Step 1: Choose a sturdy board or a nice serving plate. Brands such as nordal or Brewery de Molen offer beautiful wooden planks that are perfect for presentation.
- Step 2: Select your favorite cheeses and meats. A mix of soft and hard cheeses, such as Brie and Gouda cheese, provides variety.
- Step 3: Add nuts, fruit and dips. Think of Hummus from Hummus Bros or a homemade pesto.
- Step 4: Don't forget to add some delicious wines or beers. A bottle of Chardonnay from Wolf Blass or a IPA from Brewery 't IJ completes the whole thing.
Attraction of a Shared Moment
A snack board is perfect for social occasions and promotes interaction between guests. Sharing a snack board creates an informal and cozy atmosphere, ideal for birthdays, anniversaries or just a get-together with friends.
- Enjoy together: A snack board invites you to taste and share together. This strengthens the bond between people and makes it a memorable experience.
- Social interaction: Guests can discover and share their favorite combinations with each other, leading to fun conversations and new discoveries.
Possibility of Personalization
A snack board can easily be personalized for the recipient, making the gift extra special. Here are some ways to do this:
- Theme: Match the drinks platter to a specific theme, such as an Italian evening with Italian cheeses and wines.
- Preferences: Consider the recipient's dietary needs. Include vegan options from brands like Vegan Cheese Co..
- Personal message: Add a handwritten card with a personal message to emphasize the intention of the gift.
Practical Examples
| Element | Brands/Products | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeses | Old Amsterdam, Leerdammer, Camembert | Popular cheeses that go well together |
| Meats | Serrano ham, Salami Napoli, Chorizo | Flavors that go well together |
| Nuts & Olives | Pine Nut, Green Olive Co. | Healthy and tasty additions |
| Bread & Crackers | Tuc, fresh baguette | Perfect base for any shelf |
| Wine/Beer | Wolf Blass Chardonnay, Brewery 't IJ IPA | Refreshing drinks to go with it |
By choosing a snack board as a gift, you are not only giving a tasty experience, but also an unforgettable moment of togetherness. It is a versatile, practical and personal gift that is sure to be appreciated.
Disadvantages of a Snack Board as a Gift
A snack board can be an attractive gift for various occasions, but there are also disadvantages to this gift. It is important to consider these aspects so that you can be sure that you are giving the recipient the right gift.
Dietary restrictions
One of the biggest disadvantages of a snack board is that not everyone has the same dietary preferences or restrictions. This can make the gift less suitable for certain people.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Diet: Many standard snack platters contain cold cuts, such as salami or ham. A brand like Crane Castle does offer vegetarian alternatives, but not all brands have these options.
- Gluten Free: Most snack platters are composed with crackers or bread, which are not always gluten-free. Brands such as Dab do have gluten-free products, but these are not always included in a standard snack platter.
- Food allergies: Consider allergies such as nuts, milk or soy. It is crucial to know what the recipient should not eat. A snack board of Hema often contains nuts or cheese, which can be a problem for some recipients.
Shelf life of the products
Another aspect to consider is the shelf life of the products in the snack board. Many of these delicacies have a limited shelf life, which makes the gift less practical.
- Perishable Products: Cheese and meats can spoil quickly. Brands such as Beemster Cheese has a longer shelf life, but if the shelf is not consumed in time, it can still be wasted.
- Storage conditions: Some products require specific temperatures to stay fresh. This can be a challenge, especially if the recipient can’t eat the plank right away or if the plank isn’t stored properly.
Possible Recipient Preferences
It is also possible that the specific composition of the snack platter does not match the taste of the recipient. This can lead to a disappointing experience.
- Taste preferences: The combination of products can be disappointing. For example, someone who likes strong cheeses may not be happy with a snack board that mainly contains soft cheeses, such as Camembert or Brie.
- Regional Specialties: If the recipient has a preference for local delicacies, a standard snack platter from a major brand such as Albert Heijn disappointing. It may be better to give a selection of local products, such as regional cheeses or cold cuts.
Conclusion: The ideal balance between a festive gesture and personal preferences
In conclusion, a snack board as a gift offers both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it is a versatile and personal gift that can contribute to a social atmosphere. In addition, it is easy to adapt to the preferences of the recipient. On the other hand, it can also be experienced as less original and there is a big chance that it does not fit every occasion.
Ultimately, the choice of a snack board depends on the specific recipient and the context of the gift. It is advisable to think carefully about the interests and preferences of the person in question, as well as the occasion for which the gift is intended. This will help you make a well-considered decision that is sure to be appreciated.
