Now that the weather is getting down right hot and sticky, everyone can appreciate great and simple entertainment options.
As a person who entertains and socializes constantly during the warm weather, my favorite solution is “plattering”. Platters can be assembled ahead of time, feed small or large numbers of guests and make an excellent option to take to a party or gathering.
Platters can be done at home or purchased at your local butcher, grocery or deli. Sophisticated and elaborate platters can be ordered from local caterers. Successful platters have simple things in common. Presentation is key and essential. Everything we eat begins with our eyes. We are more likely to eat an attractive dish that tastes horrible rather than a horrible looking dish that tastes great! A great platter offers simplicity. Great food should compliment and enhance entertaining not hinder or over power. Platters should contain selections that are no larger than bite size, don’t easily fall apart and should not be drenched in sauce or topping.
Appealing shapes, colors and seasonality are all crucial to successful presentation. Assortment is also a major concern when entertaining. Each of us comes from a unique culinary background based on what, how and when we have eaten in our lives. During social situations these memories effect how much we enjoy ourselves. Platters designed for larger numbers of guests should offer a wider range of very simple selections, but not so many as to confuse or challenge a guest. Those intended for smaller and more intimate groups have fewer options that are more upscale. Large, small or very ornate platters offer the opportunity to offer items from the very diverse to simple pleasures that appeal to the widest range of tastes.
Good company and the guest list are very important for a harmonious affair and so is the lists of platters. It should compliment the atmosphere and character of the affair. They should contain items that are appropriate for the time of day & location, be sophisticated or simple enough for the event and be recognizable to guests. Selections on the platter should compliment the beverages, flowers and theme of the affair. Appetizer or snack platters are great for informal cocktails, showers and sporting events. Wing, charcuterie and specialty platters are great for dinner parties, formal cocktails and luncheons. Fruit, cheese and crudite platters can be appropriate choices for any events.
Placement and availability in the room is important. A platter should not be the guest that comes to the party and sits in a secluded corner the entire time nor should it be the loud mouthed obnoxious guest that becomes the center of distraction.
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