A food platter is a great way to serve finger foods for parties and other events. It’s easy to put together and is sure to impress your guests. There are so many different platters to choose from, from cheeseboards and charcuterie boards to grazing dishes and appetizer platters.

Whether it’s a birthday party, lunch with friends or an afternoon tea, a food platter is the perfect option. You can easily add your own spin to these platters to make them even more exciting and impressive.

Here are 12 food platters ideas for every occasion:

1 – A grazing board, or board of finger foods (also called a ‘grazing plate’) is a simple way to offer a variety of tasty snacks and treats. It’s also a great option if you are on a budget because it doesn’t require too much effort or time in the kitchen.

The key is to put down items of differing sizes, and then fill in gaps with small and medium sized objects, like nuts or berries. This creates a visually pleasing appearance and helps to channel the ‘rainbow’ effect, which is an important aesthetic factor when putting together platters.

2 – A grazing plate with a wide range of food options is a wonderful option for people with specific diets, such as gluten free or dairy free. This platter includes a range of dips, crackers and meats, as well as fresh produce, such as olives, feta, cucumber and basil.

3 – A fruit and cheese board with a selection of soft and hard brie, cheeses and seasonal fruit is ideal for a sophisticated dinner party. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of occasions, and the array of ingredients is sure to delight all of your guests.

4 – A Mediterranean mezze platter is an excellent choice for vegetarians, with a selection of olives, feta, hummus and artichoke hearts. It’s also an easy and inexpensive option for entertaining and can be a great addition to any gathering.

5 – A snack platter, or board of finger foods is another popular option for people with limited diets. It’s an excellent choice for kids, with a large range of food options to appeal to toddlers, and can be very simple to prepare.

6 – A cheese board, or a selection of cheeses and cured meats, is another option for anyone with specific diets. This board offers a wide variety of cured meats, cheeses and fresh produce to cater for a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

7 – A seafood platter, or a selection of oysters, prawns and lobsters, is another great option for any occasion. It’s a delicious and nutritious alternative to a main meal and will make any meal extra special.

8 – A healthy veggie plate, or a platter of fresh vegetable snacks is an excellent choice for people who want to eat more vegetables, but don’t want to feel guilty about it. These snacks are full of vitamins and nutrients, making them an ideal choice for a healthy, low-calorie option for your next get-together.