This step-by-step guide teaches you how to present a tasty and varied drinks platter with useful tips and suggestions. Discover how to select delicious snacks and serve them in an attractive way to impress your guests during any party or social gathering.
Choose a variety of cheeses
Choose a mix of soft, hard and blue cheeses to offer your guests a varied taste experience. Combine creamy brie or camembert for the soft cheeses, such as goat cheese for a fresh touch. Add firm cheeses such as Beemster, Gouda or Cheddar and don't forget the blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola or Stilton for a spicy note.
By offering a variety of cheeses, your guests can enjoy different flavors and textures. Place the cheeses on a beautiful board, add some nuts, dried fruit and crackers and let your guests create their own perfect combinations. This way you ensure that there is something for everyone and you turn your cheese board into a real taste sensation!
Add meats
Combine different types of meats such as salami, prosciutto and chorizo to make the snack board even more attractive.
- Step 1: Place a few slices of salami over part of the plank.
- Step 2: Add a few slices of prosciutto to the salami. Note the beautiful presentation by loosely rolling up the prosciutto.
- Step 3: Add some slices of chorizo to the other side of the plank. Chorizo adds a delicious spicy flavor.
Combining different types of meats creates a varied and tasty snack board that is perfect to share with friends and family. Experiment with different combinations and enjoy the delicious flavors that come together!
Including various crackers and bread
Provide a mix of crackers, baguette and possibly baguette with nuts or seeds for dipping in olive oil or hummus.
For example, choose a pack of whole wheat crackers, wheat biscuits and a few seed or nut crackers for some variation. Also cut up some baguette and make sure you have an option with nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Present this together with a bottle of good olive oil and a bowl of hummus. Dip the various crackers and sandwiches in the olive oil and hummus for a tasty experience. Add some salt and pepper for extra flavor if necessary. Finish it off by sprinkling fresh herbs such as parsley or chives over it for a festive touch. Enjoy the diverse flavors and textures of these delicious crackers and sandwiches with your favorite dips!
Add sweet and savory
Add some sweet elements such as grapes, figs or a spoonful of honey to your dish. These sweet additions will make a delicious contrast to the savory options such as olives and nuts. For example, try adding some juicy grapes to a salad with feta and walnuts for a surprising flavor combination. Or drizzle a cheese board with a spoonful of honey for a sweet touch that goes perfectly with the salty olives and crunchy nuts. By experimenting with these combinations, you bring a new dimension to your dish and create a taste sensation that will certainly surprise your guests.
Decorate with fresh herbs and fruit
- Use fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme to decorate your dishes. Place some sprigs on your plate for a refined look.
- Add color and flavor by using berries or citrus wedges when presenting dishes.
- Mix different fresh herbs and fruit on one plate for a playful effect.
- Place a slice of lemon or lime on the rim of your glass for a refreshing touch.
- Experiment with different combinations of herbs and fruits to make your dishes more visually appealing.
Serve with matching drinks
- Select some matching wines, beers or soft drinks that compliment the different flavors on the drinks board.
- Try a light and fresh white wine to pair with the cheeses on the shelf, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay.
- Combine the meats with a red wine, such as a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon for a good match.
- If you prefer beer, choose an IPA or a fresh beer to complement the savory snacks.
- For soft drink lovers, serve a sparkling lemonade or tonic to top it all off.
- Make sure the drinks are well chilled for an optimal taste experience. Cheers!
Tasteful ending
In this blog post you have received useful tips for presenting a delicious and varied drinks platter. By following these steps, you'll be ready to treat your guests to a flavorful experience. Have fun putting together and enjoying your drinks board!
Supplies
- Different types of cheeses (e.g. brie, goat cheese, blue cheese)
- Meat products (e.g. salami, ham, chorizo)
- Various crackers and bread (e.g. baguette, toast, crackers)
- Sweet and savory additions (e.g. grapes, figs, nuts, olives)
- Fresh herbs and fruit for decoration (e.g. thyme, rosemary, strawberries, grapes)
- Matching drinks (e.g. wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks)
Useful advice
- Start by choosing a good mix of cheeses, meats, fruit, nuts and dips for a varied snack board
- Provide different textures and flavors on your snack board, for example soft cheeses, crunchy nuts and savory meats
- Play with colors and presentation by, for example, working with different cutting techniques and tableware
- Add some sweet elements, such as dried fruit or chutneys, for a balanced taste experience
- Think of the combination of flavors, such as a spicy cheese with sweet figs or a salty ham with fresh apple
- Make it visually attractive by working with symmetry and repetition of ingredients on the snack board
- Make sure you have enough small forks, skewers and napkins for the convenience of your guests
This is how you put together a varied drinks board
- Choose a good variety of cheeses, meats, nuts, fruit and crackers for your snack board
- Arrange the different items on a large shelf or tray in an attractive manner
- Combine flavors and textures to create a balanced snack board, for example sweet and savory elements
- Serve the snack board with a glass of wine or a refreshing drink to complete the experience. Have fun enjoying your varied drinks board!
Frequently asked questions about varied drinks boards
To adapt a varied snack board to different tastes and dietary wishes, you can follow a number of steps. First of all, ensure a good balance between different flavors and textures on the shelf. Think salty cheeses, sweet grapes, crunchy nuts and savory meats.
For guests with specific dietary needs, such as vegans or those with lactose intolerance, you can add plant-based alternatives such as hummus, olives and roasted vegetables. Also be sure to accommodate gluten and nut allergies by offering gluten- and nut-free options.
By varying flavors, textures and dietary options you can create a varied and inclusive platter that meets the needs of all your guests. Have fun putting together your perfect drinks board!
A varied snack board should not be missing cheeses such as young cheese, aged cheese, brie, goat cheese and blue cheese. These cheeses offer a nice variation in taste and texture that is appreciated by many people. You can also opt for an extra special cheese, such as truffle cheese or pickled cheese, to make the snack board even more interesting. Don't forget to add some fresh bread, toast, nuts and fruit to complete the snack board. Enjoy your meal!