How to create easy party food platters

A baked block of feta on a board with figs, crackers, almonds and sliced cucumbers

Party grazing board ideas

Baked feta board

A block of salty feta baked with sweet, sticky honey is the centrepiece of this fun sharing board by Morgan McGlynn. Slather the smooth cheese on crackers and top and serve with fudgy roast figs and crunchy almonds.

Smörgåsbord

The scale of this Scandinavian smörgåsbord by Morgan McGlynn borders almost on a buffet – perfect for feeding the masses. A mixture of hot and cold dishes alongside traditional cheese varieties, such as brown Norwegian gjetost and jarlsberg, are a must.

Brunch has become a timeless classic, combining the best of both worlds from breakfast and lunch. This sharing board takes it one step further to create a stunning, laidback way to enjoy this meal for a real celebration. Overnight oats, sausage sandwiches and pancake bits are served alongside bloody marys to get your day off to an exceptional start. For more brunch inspiration, see our best brunch recipes.

A selection of brunch dishes on the table

Cheese grazing board

You truly can't beat a good cheeseboard, and this one combines lemony baked goat's cheese, baked camembert in a cob and baked feta with chipotle.

A spread of different baked cheeses with crudites on the side

Antipasti board

Easy and informal but always welcome, antipasti is a fun, casual way to entertain. Pop a selection of Italian cured meat, a generous piece of parmesan and grissini sticks with fresh figs and griddled courgettes on a board and then let everyone dive in and help themselves.

Bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic sauce)

This warm anchovy and garlic dip from Piedmont makes an easy starter or sharing platter to serve with drinks. It's a great way to use up a tin of anchovies.

A serving pot of bagna cauda sauce, on a sharing platter of crudites

Christmas cheeseboard

Is there any better excuse to enjoy cheese than at Christmas? If Morgan McGlynn's festive sharing platter doesn't get you in the spirit, we don't know what else will! In true Christmas indulgence style, there's a variety of salty, creamy and nutty cheeses nestled in with cured meats and pickled accompaniments. Serve with a homemade Christmas jam.

A festive cheeseboard filled with figs, cheese, meats, bread and pickles

Chocolate fondue

Get everyone involved at the end of the dinner party with this chocolate fondue. It takes just minutes to prepare – simply melt chocolate with double cream and white miso, then arrange your dipping utensils. We suggest strawberries, grapes, banana slices, mini waffles, marshmallows and wafers for some variety, but feel free to use whatever you wish.

Melted chocolate in the middle of a sharing plate with marshmallows, biscuits, fruit etc

Hummus platter with all the veg

For a vegan sharing board that's sure to impress, this hummus platter elevates the humble veg with pomegranate molasses, toasted pine nuts, fennel and sprigs of watercress.

Platter of hummus with an assortment of vegetables next to savoury biscuits and focaccia slices.

Summer deli board

Perfect for the warmer months, throw together our pick of charcuterie and veg, served with a pot of oozing melted brie.

Picnic platter

Picnic staples, including cheese, chutney, pâté and salami, are transformed into an easy, no-cook dinner party centrepiece. Check out our best picnic recipes for lots more inspiration.

A serving board loaded with bread, cheese, pickles, cured meat and veg, with a knife on a pink background

Dessert board

For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert board is a really fun and easy way to celebrate a special occasion. The white russians and limoncello-spiked lemon tarts are a grown-up touch that's perfect for getting the party started. Pair with our espresso martini pancakes for a brunch-inspired dessert board.

All sorts of bite-sized desserts and cocktails on a sharing platter

Crudités with chipotle aïoli

A great starter to bring out at dinner parties over the summer, using whatever crisp, fresh veg is available. It only takes 15 minutes to put together and serves six.

A wooden board on a grey stone background flled with vegetable crudités and a small pot of chipotle aïoli with red rippled through

Quick and easy recipes

Baked camembert

Arguably the easiest way to entice friends is with a selection of baked camembert toppers: veggies will swoon over our camembert topped with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, or opt for ultimate wintry comfort with toppings such as cranberry, port and thyme. Better yet, go one step further and serve your cheese on this appropriately themed camembert cheese platter.

Homemade pâté

Another fuss-free way to impress is with homemade pâté: our veggie mushroom pâté is easy to whizz together, and packs depth of flavour thanks to a few sprigs of thyme, garlic and sherry. Or, keep things classic with our French chicken liver pâté, best served with cornichons and plenty of fizz.

A glass pot of mushroom pate on a plate with crudites

Hot platters

Smashed meatball kebab platter with herby green yogurt

Serve this smashed meatball kebab platter as part of a vibrant feast when entertaining. Top with your homemade cooling yogurt to balance out the kick from the shawarma spice blend. Using ready-made meatballs keeps prep to a minimum so that you can have this on the table in just 30 minutes.

A meatball sharing platter with a yogurt drizzle on top

Smashed falafel platter with pink pickled onion

This vibrant falafel platter is a brilliant choice when catering for vegetarian friends. The sweet potato falafels bring a natural sweetness, balanced perfectly by tangy pickled onions that cut through with a sharp, refreshing bite.

Smashed falafel with chickpeas, hummus and pink pickled onions on a white serving platter

Grilled mango, tomato and burrata platter

The creamy burrata pairs perfectly with chargrilled mango slices, juicy heritage tomatoes and a vibrant lime and chilli dressing.

A mango and burrata salad on a white plate against a blue background

Platters to buy

FULLSPÄCKAD serving tray

Available from Ikea (£15)

Ikea's tray is great for storing plates and glasses on one level, with snacks and appetisers on the other. It also features a sturdy handle for carrying.

Available from:
Ikea (£15)