What to serve on a drinks platter with a tea towel

Did you know that most people spend an average of 30% of their social interactions around food and drinks? It’s no wonder that drinks parties are such a popular way to get together. But what if we told you that presenting your snacks on a drinks board with a tea towel is not only a practical choice, but also a creative way to surprise your guests? In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into this unique concept, its benefits and provide valuable tips on what to serve. Get ready to take your drinks party experience to the next level!

The Basics of a Snack Board

A snack platter is a composed platter consisting of a variety of snacks, perfect for a drink or as part of a social gathering. It is not only a way to combine different flavors and textures, but it also offers a visually appealing whole. Let's look at the different components that can compose a snack platter and how you can optimize it.

Types of Snacks

When composing a snack platter, it is important to find a good balance between different types of snacks. Below we discuss some popular categories:

Cheese

Cheese is an essential part of any snack platter. Here are some recommended types:

• Brie: This soft cheese has a creamy texture and is delicious with fruit, such as grape or fig jam. A good choice is the Old Amsterdam Brie.
• Gouda cheese: A classic choice, with a rich flavor. Try the Mature Gouda cheese for a mild taste and a firm bite.
• Blue cheese: For the daredevils it is Roquefort or Stilton an excellent addition, with a strong flavour that goes well with nuts and honey.

Meats

Cold cuts add a savory dimension to your snack platter. Some suggestions include:

• Salami: The Citterio Salami is a popular choice with a rich, spicy flavor.
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced and full of flavor, the San Daniele Prosciutto is a luxury option.
• Chorizo: The Palette de Bellota offers an intense flavor and a unique texture.

Vegetables

Vegetables provide a fresh addition to your drinks board. Think of:

• Cherry tomatoes: These are not only tasty, but also colorful.
• Cucumber: Cut into thin slices for a refreshing crunch.
• Bell pepper: Use different colors for an attractive visual effect.

Presentation and Choice of the Tea Towel

The presentation of your snack platter is just as important as the content. A good way to decorate your snack platter is to use a nice tea towel. Here are some tips:

• Color and pattern: Choose a tea towel that complements the colors of your snacks. A neutral color can help accentuate the colors of the snacks.
• Material: Use a cotton tea towel for a natural look. This not only makes for a good presentation, but also helps to absorb any moisture from the snacks.
• Layout: Place the tea towel under the snacks to create a rustic look. This gives a homely feeling and makes the whole thing more inviting.

Practical Tips for a Successful Snack Board

• Mix of flavors: Provide a balance of sweet, salty, and sour. This keeps guests interested and makes for a successful experience.
• Portion size: Cut appetizers into small portions so guests can easily sample without sacrificing too much.
• Dips: Don't forget to add some dips, such as hummus, tzatziki or a spicy salsa. These can complement the flavors of the appetizers.
• Boards or planks: Choose a wooden board or a nice plate to present your snacks. This contributes to the look of your snack board.

By carefully choosing the ingredients and paying attention to the presentation, you create a snack platter that is not only delicious, but also a feast for the eyes. With the right combination of snacks and a beautiful presentation, you can turn every drink into a special occasion.

Creative combinations of snacks

When putting together a snack platter, the possibilities are endless. Combining different flavors and textures can take your guests' experience to the next level. In this part of the blog, we want to take a closer look at some interesting and creative combinations of snacks. From classic to surprising, we offer inspiration for every occasion.

Classic Combinations

Let's start with some traditional combinations that are always a hit.

Cheese and Sausage

A timeless combination that you can easily put together. Here are some suggestions:

• Cheeses:
  • Old Amsterdam: A delicious, mature cheese with a rich flavour.
  • Brie de Meaux: A creamy French cheese that goes perfectly with a crusty roll.
• Sausages:
  • Zaanse Salami: A spicy salami that goes well with the mild flavors of the cheese.
  • Chorizo: This Spanish sausage adds a smoky, spicy flavor to your plank.

Vegetables and Dips

A healthier choice that is also colorful. Combine fresh vegetables with different dips:

• Dipping sauces:
  • Hummus from Hummus Bros: A creamy, chickpea hummus that's perfect for raw veggies.
  • Guacamole from Holy Guacamole: A fresh avocado dip that goes well with carrot and cucumber sticks.
• Vegetables:
  • Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, a perfect addition to any dip.
  • Peppers: In different colours for a visually attractive presentation.

Unexpected Combinations

For those looking for something unique, here are some surprising combinations that are sure to amaze your guests.

Fruits and Nuts

A combination that combines sweet and savory:

• Fruit:
  • Grapes: These juicy fruits are perfect in combination with cheese.
  • Apple slices: Especially the sweet varieties such as Fuji or Gala go well with nuts.
• Nuts:
  • Roasted Almonds from Calvo: These nuts have a delicious crunch and a subtle saltiness.
  • Pecans: Their sweet, buttery flavor makes them an excellent choice for serving with fruit.

Sweet and Savory

A combination that stimulates the senses and offers surprises:

• Sweet snacks:
  • Figurine of India: These dried figs have a rich flavor and texture.
  • Chocolate fondue: Perfect for dipping fruits such as strawberries and bananas.
• Savory snacks:
  • Olives from Olives & Co.: Salty olives add depth to the sweet flavor of the fruit.
  • Spicy Cheese Balls from Leerdammer: Using a spicy cheese can provide a nice balance with the sweetness of the figs or chocolate.

Practical Tips for Putting Together Your Snack Platter

When creating a drinks platter, there are some practical tips you can keep in mind:

• Vary in textures: Provide a mix of crunchy, creamy, and soft bites.
• Play with colors: A colorful board is visually more appealing and invites tasting.
• Use seasonal products: This can help enhance the flavors and give your snacks a fresh twist.

Sample Drinking Board

Below you will find an example of how you can put together a drinks platter with the combinations mentioned above:

With these combinations and tips you can create a snack platter that is not only tasty, but also a pleasure for the eye. Let your creativity run wild and surprise your guests with unique snacks that they will not soon forget!

Drinks to serve

When putting together a snack platter, it’s important to pay attention not only to the appetizers, but also to the beverages you serve with them. The right choice of beverage can enhance the flavors of your appetizers and improve the overall experience of your guests. Below, we’ll discuss different beverages that go well with various appetizers, as well as tips for an attractive presentation.

Wine choices

Wine is a classic choice for a snack platter and can perfectly complement the flavors of different appetizers. Here are some recommendations:

White wine

• Sauvignon Blanc: This fresh wine with its citrusy flavors goes well with seafood and light cheeses such as goat cheese.
  • Recommended product: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. This wine comes from New Zealand and has a distinctive taste that goes perfectly with fresh snacks.

Red wine

• Pinot Noir: This versatile red wine goes well with charcuterie and filled snacks such as mini quiches.
  • Recommended product: Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir. This French wine has a soft structure and a fruity finish that complements the salty flavors of the meats.

Rosé Wine

• Provence Rosé: This light and fruity wine is ideal with salads and Mediterranean snacks.
  • Recommended product: Whispering Angel Rosé. This popular rosé has flavours of strawberries and peaches, and refreshes the taste of a snack platter.

Beer selections

Beer can also be a great addition to a snack platter. Here are some beers to consider:

Light Beers

• White beer: This refreshing beer goes well with savoury snacks such as olives and tapenade.
  • Recommended product: Hoegaarden Witbier. This Belgian beer is light and has a citrusy flavour that goes well with herbal snacks.

Amber Ales

• Amber Ale: The caramel notes of amber ale are a great match for cheese platters and nuts.
  • Recommended product: La Chouffe. This Belgian beer has a unique taste and is a perfect addition to an assortment of different cheeses.

IPA

• India Pale Ale: This hoppy beer is ideal with spicy snacks such as nachos or fanatically spiced chips.
  • Recommended product: Brewdog Punk IPA. This is a powerful IPA with a fruity and bitter taste that balances the heat of the snacks.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, there are also several options that can enrich the taste experience.

Mocktails

• Homemade Lemonade: Fresh and refreshing, perfect with a drinks platter.
  • Recommended product: A mix of lemon and lime juice, sparkling water and a sprig of mint for a refreshing mocktail.

Non-alcoholic beers

• Non-alcoholic white beer: This offers the experience of beer without the alcohol.
  • Recommended product: Heineken 0.0. This alcohol-free beer has a full flavour and is ideal for the beer lover who does not want to drink alcohol.

Presentation of the Drinks

The presentation of your drinks can make a big difference in the overall look of your drinks board. Here are some tips for an attractive presentation:

• Glasses: Use different types of glasses for different drinks. For example, wine glasses for wine and tall glasses for beer and mocktails.
• Decoration: Add citrus slices or fresh herbs to the glasses for an attractive look.
• Coolers: Use a nice wine cooler or a large bowl of ice to keep your bottles cool while providing an elegant look.
• Labels: List the names of the drinks on small signs to help guests make their choice and to generate interest.

By carefully selecting the drinks that match your snacks and presenting them with care, you will create an unforgettable drinks experience for your guests.

Conclusion: Putting together the perfect drinks platter!

In conclusion, creating a snack platter with a tea towel is not just a matter of choosing snacks, but also of creativity and presentation. By experimenting with different ingredients and drinks, you can create a unique and attractive platter that will surprise your guests. Remember that the best snack platters often come from the love and attention you put into the process. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy creating an unforgettable snack experience!