Drinks boards vs. Traditional Christmas drinks

The holidays are a special time of year when we gather with friends and family to enjoy each other’s company. While the traditional Christmas party has been a staple of our celebrations for years, the snack platter is gaining popularity. In this blog post, we invite you to explore the benefits and differences of these two styles with us. Whether you’re a fan of classic coziness or curious about more modern trends, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your Christmas gathering. Let’s discover together how you can integrate both and create an unforgettable Christmas.

What are Borrelplanken?

Drink platters are a popular choice for social events and parties. Not only are they attractive, they are also a great way to offer guests a variety of flavors and textures. These platters are easy to assemble and are perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together with friends to a festive Christmas gathering.

Types of Snack Boards

There are several types of snack boards you can consider, depending on the occasion and your guests' preferences. Below is an overview of some popular varieties:

• Cheese board: An assortment of different cheeses, such as Brie, Manchego and Gouda cheese, supplemented with crackers, fig jam and nuts. Brands such as Old Amsterdam and Leerdammer offer delicious cheeses that are perfect for a cheese board.
• Meat platter: This board contains a selection of fine meats such as prosciutto, salami and chorizo. Brands such as Casa di Luca and Salumeria have high-quality meats that give a luxurious look to your drinks platter.
• Vegetarian platter: An ideal option for vegetarians, with a mix of hummus, grilled vegetables, olives and various dips. Try for example Merba Hummus and Quantum Olives for a tasty addition.
• Sweet plank: For those with a sweet tooth, you can create a board with chocolate, fresh fruit, such as strawberries and grapes, and nuts. Brands such as Tony's Chocolonely and Montezuma's offer a variety of chocolate that is not only delicious, but also beautiful to look at.

Composing a Christmas Snack Board

When putting together a Christmas snack platter, it is important to think about the colours and presentation. Here are some tips to create a festive and tasty Christmas snack platter:

• Choose a theme: Think wintery with ingredients like cranberries, cinnamon and nuts. Use a large wooden board or marble bowl for a luxurious look.
• Variation in textures: Provide a mix of hard and soft cheeses, crunchy crackers, creamy dips and juicy fruits. This makes for an interesting dining experience.
• Use seasonal products: Add products that fit the Christmas season, such as candied orange peel, nuts and gingerbread spices.
• Presentation: Use small bowls for dips and work with different heights to make the board visually appealing. Decorate with rosemary sprigs or Christmas branches for a festive touch.

Practical Examples for a Snack Board

Below you will find a list of specific products that you can use when putting together your drinks platter:

By choosing a variety of products and careful presentation, your snack platter will not only offer tasty treats, but will also be a visual spectacle that will surely impress your guests during the holidays.

The Traditional Christmas Drink

A traditional Christmas party is a festive event that often strengthens the bond between friends, family and colleagues. This party is imbued with coziness and involves a range of culinary and social elements. In this section we will delve deeper into the different aspects of a Christmas party.

Typical Snacks and Drinks

Hot Snacks

Hot snacks are often the star of the Christmas party. Think of:

• Gourmet: A popular activity where guests prepare their own dishes on a gourmet set, such as the Bestron DLD900D. This appliance is ideal for preparing meat, fish and vegetables, and provides an interactive experience.
• Mini hamburgers: Small, tasty burgers made with Southam beef. These are easy to prepare on the gourmet and can be personalized with various toppings.
• Cheese fondue: A classic that should not be missed. A Boska fondue set makes it easy to melt a delicious blend of cheeses, such as Gruyère and Emmental.

Cold Snacks

Cold snacks are also essential for a successful Christmas party. Some examples are:

• Charcuterie board: A range of fine meats such as Duroc ham, Salami Milano and various cheeses such as Brie de Meaux and Gorgonzola.
• Salmon snacks: Spiced salmon on toast or as sushi rolls, preferably with Kikkoman soy sauce for an extra dimension of flavour.

Drinks

Of course, a Christmas party also includes drinks. Some popular choices are:

• Mulled wine: A warming, aromatic drink often made with Ponte Piazza red wine, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices.
• Beer: A selection of local beers such as Heineken or specialty beers such as La Trappe Blond to ensure diversity.
• Mocktails: For those who don't drink alcohol, mocktails with Schweppes tonic and fresh mint a refreshing choice.

The Atmosphere of the Christmas Drinks

The atmosphere during a Christmas party is crucial. It is important to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Some tips to achieve this are:

• Relief: Use of atmospheric lighting such as Christmas lights from Philips Hue to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Decoration: Use Christmas decorations such as pinecones, candles and baubles to brighten up the space.
• Music: A selection of Christmas carols, such as the playlist on Spotify called “Christmas Classics”, can further enhance the atmosphere.

Social Aspects

The Christmas party is not only a culinary event, but also an opportunity to strengthen social ties. During these gatherings, guests can:

• Networks: Colleagues and business partners meet in an informal setting, which promotes mutual relationships.
• Memories Share: It is an excellent moment to share stories and memories from the past year, which strengthens bonds.
• Games and Activities: Think of a Christmas quiz or a gift exchange, where everyone can actively participate and have fun.

Example of an Activity

A popular activity that often occurs during Christmas parties is the “Secret Santa”. In this, each participant draws a name in a fun way and buys a small gift for this person. This provides surprises and lots of laughter and is a great way to promote interaction.

By incorporating these elements, a traditional Christmas party can be not only a culinary experience, but also a meaningful social occasion that celebrates the festive spirit of Christmas.

Benefits of Snack Boards

Not only are cocktail platters a visually appealing part of any gathering, they also offer a range of practical benefits. In this section, we’ll look at some of their key benefits and how they can contribute to a successful Christmas celebration or other informal event.

Flexibility in Presentation

Snack platters are very versatile and can be presented in different ways, depending on the occasion and the ingredients available. This offers the possibility to adapt the platter to the atmosphere of the event.

• Classic snack board: Use a wooden board and fill it with a variety of cheeses such as Old Amsterdam, types of sausage such as Chorizo from the Butcher and some notes like Pistachios from Bresc.
• Vegetarian Options: For a healthier and more animal-friendly choice, fill the board with hummus, grilled vegetables, and a selection of olives such as Kalamata Olives from the Olive Garden.
• Sweet Snack Platter: Combine different types of fruit, chocolate and nuts for a sweet ending. Think of Belgian Chocolate from Neuhaus and fresh fruits such as berries and mango.

Adaptability to Dietary Requirements

One of the biggest benefits of snack platters is the ability to accommodate your guests’ dietary needs and restrictions, making it easy to create an inclusive experience that everyone can enjoy.

• Gluten Free Options: Use gluten-free crackers from Dab and provide a selection of cheeses and charcuterie that are of course gluten-free.
• Vegan Alternatives: There are now several vegan cheeses available, such as those from Vegan Cheese Company, which can be a delicious addition to your plank.
• Sugar Free Choices: For guests who want to avoid sugar, you can add nuts and dried fruits such as Unsweetened Apricots from Duyvis to offer.

Promoting Guest Interaction

One of the most charming aspects of snack boards is that they invite interaction. Guests can put together their own favorite combinations, which leads to conversations and an informal atmosphere.

• Jointly Composite Planks: Encourage your guests to create their own mini-planks. This can lead to interesting discussions about tastes and preferences.
• Tastings: Organize a tasting where guests can try different types of cheeses and wines. Consider a combination of Sandeman White Port with different cheeses.

Creating an Informal and Relaxed Atmosphere

With the rise of casual dining experiences, snack platters are a perfect fit for modern Christmas celebrations and other informal gatherings. They create a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easier for guests to mingle.

• Use of Decorative Planks: Choose beautiful planks, such as the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, which are not only functional, but also add aesthetic value to the presentation.
• Pleasant Lighting: Combine the drinks board with atmospheric lighting, such as Fairy Lights from Philips, to create a warm and inviting environment.

Practical Tips for Putting Together Snack Platters

When putting together your drinks platter, it is a good idea to take a few practical tips into account:

• Variety and Balance: Balance flavors and textures. Combine hard and soft cheeses with different types of nuts and dips.
• Color and Presentation: Choose colorful ingredients to make the board attractive. Think of colorful vegetables, fruits and various dips.
• Portion size: Make sure the portions are appropriate for the number of guests. Too much or too little can affect the experience.

So, snack boards are not only a feast for the eyes, they also offer numerous advantages that contribute to a successful event. Due to the flexibility, adaptability and social interaction they promote, they are an excellent choice for any occasion, and certainly for the Christmas celebrations that are approaching.

The perfect choice for your festive moments

In conclusion, both snack platters and traditional Christmas drinks offer unique experiences that suit different preferences and situations. By combining the strengths of both styles, you can create a versatile and memorable Christmas celebration that meets the needs of your guests. It is up to you to find the perfect balance and thus create an unforgettable atmosphere during this festive period.