Drink platters for every occasion

In a world where gathering is a valuable experience, snack platters are an excellent way to welcome your guests and create a cozy atmosphere. Whether it is an intimate gathering with friends, a festive occasion or a business meeting, a well-composed snack platter can make all the difference. In this blog post, we will take a look at the art of creating the perfect snack platter for every occasion. You will learn how to combine different textures and flavors and how themes can enrich your presentation. Get inspired and discover how a snack platter can not only tickle your guests' taste buds, but also touch their hearts.

The Basics of a Snack Board

A snack platter is a great way to treat friends and family to a variety of flavors and textures. However, putting together a snack platter can be challenging. In this section, we’ll discuss the essential elements of a snack platter and provide practical tips for a balanced and appealing presentation.

Different Types of Cheeses

Cheese is an indispensable part of any snack platter. It not only provides flavor, but also variation in texture. Here are some recommendations for cheeses:

• Brie: This creamy cheese is perfect for a luxurious touch. Brands like President or The Rustic offer delicious options.
• Gorgonzola: For a strong flavor, gorgonzola is an excellent choice. For example, check out Gorgonzola Dolce from Morbier.
• Cheddar: A sharp cheddar, such as Vintage Cheddar from Wyke Farms, provides a firm counterpoint to the creamy cheeses.

Cheese combinations

Combine different cheeses for a dynamic tasting. A mix of creamy, sharp and blue-veined cheeses makes for an interesting taste experience.

Meats

Cured meats can enhance the umami experience of your snack platter. Here are some popular choices:

• Prosciutto: This soft, salted ham from brands such as Parma or San Daniele adds a delicate flavor.
• Salami: Choose a spicy salami, such as Felino Salami from Salumificio Sant'Angelo for extra flavour.
• Chorizo: Spanish chorizo, such as Iberian Chorizo, provides a smoky flavor that pairs well with cheese.

Meat products presentation

Fan or roll the meats for visual appeal. This invites tasting and creates a refined look.

Vegetables

Fresh vegetables provide a crunchy counterpoint to the rich flavors of cheese and meats. Consider these options:

• Cherry tomatoes: Brightly colored tomatoes are not only attractive, but also sweet.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced, cucumber adds a fresh flavor.
• Bell pepper: Use different colors such as red, yellow and green for a cheerful effect.

Vegetable dips

Combine vegetables with dips such as hummus or tzatziki. Hummus from Osem or Tzatziki from STONED are delicious options that go well with the fresh vegetables.

Fruit

Fresh fruit not only adds color, but also a sweet change. Here are some suggestions:

• Grapes: Easy bite-sized portions that provide a refreshing bite.
• Strawberries: These sweet fruits are always a hit and go well with cheese.
• Apples: Sliced apples, such as the Golden Reinet, provide a crunchy texture and a light sweetness.

Fruit presentation

Arrange the fruit in a circle around the cheese and cold cuts for a vibrant, inviting appearance.

Dips and Sauces

Dips are essential for a snack platter. They provide extra flavor and variety. Here are some popular dips:

• Hummus: Opt for a classic hummus like the one from Meyer or try a flavor variation like beetroot.
• Guacamole: The Fresco's Guacamole is an excellent option for a Mexican twist.
• Pesto: A green pesto like the one from Barilla can be a surprising addition.

Dip suggestions

Make sure to place a spoon or fork next to each dip so guests can easily serve themselves. This keeps the presentation neat and organized.

Tips for a Balanced Presentation

1. Color contrasts: Provide a mix of colors to make the shelf lively.
2. Height variation: Use small bowls or raised areas to create depth.
3. Layering: Place larger items like cheeses at the back and smaller snacks at the front.

By focusing on these essential elements and tips, you can create an impressive snack platter that is not only delicious, but also visually appealing. A well-composed snack platter invites sharing and enjoyment, and turns every occasion into a special event.

Snack platters for festive occasions

Not only are cocktail boards a great way to welcome guests, they can also be adapted to various festive occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding or holiday, with the right themes and colours you can make an unforgettable impression. In this section we will discuss how to personalise cocktail boards and provide practical examples of products and ideas.

Themes and Colors

When putting together a special occasion snack platter, it’s important to choose a theme and color palette that matches the mood of the event. Here are some ideas:

• Birthdays:
  • Theme: Brightly colored festivities
  • To colour: Red, yellow, green and blue
  • Products:
  • Mini cupcakes from Daisy's Bakery
  • Colored candies from Haribo in a glass jar
• Weddings:
  • Theme: Elegant simplicity
  • To colour: White, gold and pastel colors
  • Products:
  • Letter from The Rustic and nuts of Pistachio World
  • Golden glitter cupcakes from Bakery Bliss
• Holidays (e.g. Christmas):
  • Theme: Warm winter coziness
  • To colour: Red, green and gold
  • Products:
  • Cheese board with Old Amsterdam cheese and cranberry compote The Traay
  • Mini Christmas loaves from Kruidvat

Fun and Festive Additions

In addition to the basic components of your snack board, you may want to consider some festive additions to liven things up. Here are some suggestions:

• Decorative Elements:
  • Use theme based napkins from Hema or Blocker.
  • Joint illuminated christmas lights for a warm atmosphere.
• Special Drinks:
  • Serve prosecco with raspberries from Chandon for a sparkling effect.
  • Make a festive punch with Somersby cider and fresh fruits.
• Interactive Elements:
  • Place a DIY Cheese Board Station where guests can create their own combination of cheeses and toppings using products from Jumbo or Albert Heijn.
  • Offer small paper flags on which guests can write their name or a message and insert it into their snacks.

Examples of Snack Boards for Specific Occasions

Below you will find some examples of drinks platters that are suitable for various festive occasions:

By adapting your snack platter to the specific occasion, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. With the right presentation and a bit of creativity, every snack platter becomes a party in itself.

Drinks Boards for Informal Gatherings

Snack platters are a great way to add an attractive and tasty snack option to an informal gathering, such as a friends’ night out or a casual get-together. Creating a snack platter doesn’t have to be complicated; with the right choices and combinations, you can impress your guests without too much effort. Below, you’ll find useful tips and examples to make your snack platter a success.

Choose Accessible Snacks

When putting together a snack platter, it’s important to choose snacks that are accessible to everyone. Think of a mix of savoury and sweet options, so that there’s something for everyone. Here are some popular choices:

• Cheese: Go for different types of cheese such as Dutch Gouda and Brie de Meaux. These can be easily cut and are perfect to combine with crackers.
• Charcuterie: Cut some Salami Milano and Prosciutto di Parma in thin slices. These meats are not only tasty, but also visually appealing.
• Vegetables: Add colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Serve with a dipping sauce like hummus or tzatziki from Maza.
• Nuts and Seeds: A mix of salted almonds and pecans adds a crunchy texture. Try products from Pillitteri for good quality.

Surprising Combinations

A drinks platter is the perfect opportunity to experiment with surprising combinations that will surprise your guests. Here are some ideas:

• Sweet and Savory: Combine Gorgonzola with honey and serve this on a piece of baguette. The combination of the strong cheese with the sweetness of the honey is a real taste maker.
• Fruit and Cheese: Try Brie with slices pear or appleThis provides a fresh taste that goes well with the creaminess of the cheese.
• Chips and Dip: Joint Tortilla Chips from Doritos with a homemade guacamole. Make the guacamole simply with avocado, lime and garlic, and voilà!

Presentation of the Borrelplank

The presentation of your snack platter is just as important as the content. A well-presented platter can whet your guests' appetite even more. Here are some tips to make your platter attractive:

• Use a Wooden Plank: A beautiful wooden cutting board or a marble slab can give a rustic look to your drinks board.
• Play with Heights: Use small bowls for dips or similar items to create height differences. This makes the shelf more visually interesting.
• Group: Group snacks by type or color. This creates an organized and attractive look.

Sample Drinking Board

Below you will find an example of a drinks platter with a mix of snacks and combinations that are well received:

By applying these suggestions and tips, you are assured of a drinks platter that is not only easy to prepare, but also creates the perfect atmosphere for your informal gathering.

The perfect drinks platter for every atmosphere and taste

In conclusion, this blog post has given you a valuable guide to creating snack platters that are suitable for any occasion. By considering your guests’ preferences and seasonal ingredients, you can create an irresistible snack platter that enhances the atmosphere of your event. Whether it’s a party or an intimate gathering, the right choices will ensure that every snack platter is a success. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy creating your next snack platter!