Drinks Board for Sporting Events

When organizing a sporting event, you not only want to experience the excitement of the match, but also create a cozy atmosphere for your guests. A snack platter is the ideal addition, with which you not only celebrate your love for sports, but also offer your guests a culinary experience. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the concept of the snack platter for sporting events. You will discover why this is a popular choice among sports enthusiasts and how to put together a perfect snack platter that suits different types of sporting events. Get inspired by practical tips and ideas to make your event unforgettable!

What is a Borrelplank?

A snack platter is a carefully composed selection of snacks, often served with drinks, which are ideal for social occasions and events, such as sporting events. It offers a convivial way to enjoy various delicacies together with friends or family. A snack platter can vary in composition, depending on the preferences of the guests and the occasion.

Elements of a Snack Board

The composition of a snack board can vary greatly, but there are some classic elements that often return. Below is an overview of the most common ingredients:

• Cheeses: An assortment of cheeses, such as old cheese, brie, and blue cheese. Brands such as Leerdammer and Old Amsterdam offer excellent options.
• Charcuterie: Various types of meats, such as salami, prosciutto and chorizo. Brands such as Bertozzi and Frico are popular.
• Olives and Sun-dried Tomatoes: These give a Mediterranean flair to the plank. Kalamata olives and sun dried tomatoes from Preserve are often well rated.
• Nuts and Almonds: A mix of salted and unsalted nuts, for example Jordans nut mixes, provide a nice crunch.
• Bread and Crackers: Freshly baked bread, baguette or crispy crackers such as those from Ritz or Krisprolls are essential.
• Dips and Sauces: Hummus, tzatziki or tapenade are perfect to combine with bread and vegetables. Dill and Chamomile has a nice selection.

Types of Snack Boards

Snack boards can be adapted to specific dietary requirements or themes. Below we discuss some popular variations:

Traditional Snack Board

This variation includes the classic elements mentioned earlier. It is a perfect choice for an informal gathering or a sporting event. The emphasis is on savory flavors and a variety of textures.

• Cheeses: Old cheese, brie
• Meats: Salami, chorizo
• Bread: Baguette, ciabatta

Vegetarian Snack Platter

For guests who do not want to eat meat or fish, a vegetarian snack platter is an excellent choice. This platter contains an abundance of colorful and tasty options.

• Cheeses: Goat cheese, mozzarella
• Vegetables: Carrot sticks, cucumber, bell pepper
• Dips: Hummus, guacamole

Luxury snack board

A luxury version of the snack platter can contain more exclusive ingredients, such as truffle products and artisanal cheeses. This makes it ideal for special occasions.

• Cheeses: Brie de Meaux, Comté
• Meats: Wagyu beef, Iberico ham
• Particulars: Truffle oil, artichoke hearts

Adapting to the Atmosphere of the Sporting Event

When putting together a snack platter for a sporting event, it is important to consider the atmosphere and type of sport. For a football match, hearty, savoury snacks may work well, while a tennis match may call for lighter, more refined snacks.

Example of a Snack Board for a Football Match

• Layered: Start with firm cheese and cold cuts.
• Crunchy: Add chips or nachos with guacamole.
• Refreshment: Finish it off with a fresh salsa or pico de gallo.

Example of a Drinks Board for a Tennis Match

• Light: Focus on fresh vegetables with hummus.
• Delicate: Serve brie with nuts and honey.
• Sweet: Add some fruit skewers for a refreshing touch.

By adapting the snack platter to the type of sporting event and the preferences of the guests, you create an unforgettable experience that enhances the atmosphere of the event. The use of quality ingredients and careful presentation make a snack platter a real treat for every occasion.

Why a Drinks Board for Sporting Events?

Offering a snack platter at sporting events offers numerous benefits that benefit both participants and spectators. In this section, we explore these benefits and provide practical examples of how a snack platter can contribute to the overall experience of a sporting event.

Social Interaction

A snack board acts as a central meeting place where people come together to enjoy tasty snacks and drinks. This promotes social interaction and creates an informal atmosphere where visitors feel comfortable talking to each other.

• Connection between fans: During sporting events such as the UEFA Champions League final, football fans can enjoy a drinks platter with popular snacks such as nachos with guacamole or mini burgers from the Slagerij van Dam brand.
• Networks: For sporting events such as the Rotterdam Marathon, a drinks platter can provide an excellent opportunity for runners and sponsors to meet each other and exchange experiences.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

A snack board can significantly enhance the atmosphere of a sporting event. It is not just about the sporting performance, but also about the overall experience of the attendees.

• Decoration: Using stylish bowls from brands such as Rosti Mepal or a beautifully presented wooden board can enhance the appearance of the drinks board.
• Themes: For events like the Olympics, a drinks platter featuring international dishes, such as Spanish tapas or Italian antipasti, can reflect the diversity of the participants.

Contributing to the Overall Event

A well-composed drinks platter can complement an event and ensure that visitors stay longer and enjoy the activities more.

• Increased sales: Events like the Dutch Cycling Championships can benefit from a drinks platter that features locally produced beers, like those from Brouwerij Jopen, and regional cheeses. This can increase sales and support the local economy.
• Strengthening the branding: Brands can prominently integrate their products into the snack board. For example, think of a snack board where the snacks of the brand Calvé (peanut butter and dips) are served, which not only stimulates the taste buds, but also ensures brand recognition.

Examples of Popular Sporting Events

Here are some sporting events where a drinks platter would be an excellent addition:

Every sporting event has its own unique character, and a snack platter can play into that by adapting the offer to the target group and the atmosphere of the event. By investing in a well-composed snack platter, organizers can increase visitor satisfaction and create a memorable experience that they will remember for a long time.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Snack Platter

A snack platter is a great way to welcome guests at a sporting event. It is important to find a balance between different flavors and textures. Here are some practical tips for putting together the perfect snack platter.

Choose the Right Types of Cheese

Cheese is an essential part of any snack platter. Vary the types and flavors to create an interesting combination. Here are some suggestions:

• Gouda (for example Mature Gouda from FrieslandCampina): A mild, creamy cheese that pairs well with most wines.
• Brie (for example Brie de Meaux): A soft cheese with a rich flavour, perfect in combination with fruits such as grapes or figs.
• Blue cheese (for example Roquefort): For those who love spicy flavors, this cheese adds a strong taste to the board.

Meat Selection

A mix of meats can give the snack board a savoury dimension. Choose both dried and fresh meats:

• Prosciutto (for example San Daniele): Thinly sliced and full of flavor, a perfect complement to the cheese.
• Salami (e.g. Neapolitan salami): The spicy and smoky flavour goes perfectly with a fresh chutney.
• Chorizo (for example Spanish Chorizo from La Doria): A good alternative for those who like a bit of spice.

Fresh and Healthy: Vegetables

Add some color and crunch with fresh vegetables. Here are some ideas:

• Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, ideal for dipping.
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a nice color to the snack platter.
• Bell pepper: Cut in different colours for an attractive presentation.

Dips and Sauces

Dips are essential for complementing the flavors on your snack platter. Consider the following options:

• Hummus (such as Maza's Natural Hummus): A creamy, healthy option that goes well with vegetables.
• Guacamole (for example from Avocado Green): This avocado dip is a delicious addition and popular with many guests.
• Tzatziki (for example from Alpro): This fresh yoghurt dip is perfect with vegetables.

Types of bread

A snack platter also includes a selection of breads. Consider these options:

• Baguette: A classic that complements any snack platter. Serve with a little olive oil for extra flavour.
• Crackers (for example the Wasa Crackers): These are ideal for scooping up the different cheeses and dips.
• Flatbread (for example the Arabic Flatbread from Pita): These are versatile and can also be served with spreads.

Presentation of the Borrelplank

Presentation is crucial to the overall experience. Here are some tips to make your snack platter appealing:

• Colour: Provide a range of colors by using different types of vegetables, fruits, and cheeses. This makes the board visually appealing.
• Texture: Combine soft and hard items to create contrast. Think of creamy brie versus crunchy crackers.
• Theme: Match the board to the sporting event. For example, use the team colors in your selection of veggies and dips.

Sample Drinking Board

Below is an example of how you can put together your drinks platter:

With these tips and suggestions, you are well prepared to create a perfect snack platter that not only tastes delicious, but is also beautifully presented. Enjoy the sporting event!

The perfect ending to a successful event

In conclusion, organizing a snack platter for sporting events requires careful planning and creativity. Important aspects include choosing appropriate appetizers, matching the drinks to the theme of the event, and taking into account the preferences of your guests. Remember that a snack platter is not only a tasty addition, but also contributes to the atmosphere of the event. We encourage you to put your own unique spin on the snack platter so that it perfectly matches the type of sporting event and the people you are hosting. Have fun creating your ideal snack platter!