Ever see those pictures of delicious looking party platters in the deli department of your local food store and want it but don’t want to pay the price for it? Here’s some easy ideas to make professional looking food trays of your own!
Meat, cheese, vegetable and fruit trays are very popular at special event parties. From weddings to birthdays to anniversaries, there is always a need for finger foods presented in an eye catching, appetizing manner. You can buy these pretty trays already made up for you (and pay a pretty price!) or enjoy a substantial savings and make the same kind of trays yourself. Let’s get started:
1. The first thing you will need are sturdy trays. There are all kinds, from good silver to plastic. It’s your choice, but the disposable kinds can be flimsy and not cost effective. A good sturdy plastic tray is probably your best bet. It can be washed and reused or won’t cause a big dent in your budget if you leave it behind and someone else throws it away. Also, make sure your trays are LARGE enough to accommodate a lot of food! Twenty-four inches in diameter is good.
2. Next, you’ll want to purchase all the ingredients for your tray(s). By figuring how many guests will be at your party and the size of your tray(s) you’ll be able to figure out how much food to purchase. Always figure a pound of food per person. As you know, deli meats and cheeses are available in quantity at your nearby grocer, but another outlet is a “club” type store like Sam’s or BJ’s. Of course, fruits and raw vegetables are available at the store types mentioned or try your local farmers market when in season, for the freshest produce. Rolls or bread or crackers of some kind are also a good idea for complimenting the meats and cheeses. Cost cutting tip: try a bakery outlet.
3. Line the tray with fresh greens. Ever wonder what that green stuff is between and under the food? Usually it’s leaf lettuce or lollo rosso, a curlier red lettuce. The lettuce is there for color and to insulate or separate the food. Unlike paper or plastic doilies or liners, it’s edible and won’t cause discoloration or effect the flavor or your foods. Use it under and between the meats and cheeses. Place it under and around fruits and vegetables to beautify your platter.
4. Placing the food. Imagine your tray as a wheel with triangular sections. Put a small (about 4″ diameter) round plate or container in the middle of the tray to reserve space for any dip or decorations. Roll the slices of meat into tube shapes or cut them into squares. Start with one triangular section and within that section place some of your meat. Position one piece overlapping the next so that you have an effect that looks like cards or dominoes lying over each other. Cheeses can be placed in the same way. If you have cubes of meat or cheese pile them in alternating sections of the “wheel. Place toothpicks either in all of the cubes or nearby for your guests to use. If you have vegetables, remember to cut them in small enough pieces, like chips or sticks. Group each type of vegetable together in each triangle of the ‘wheel’.
5. Alternate the foods on your tray one triangle meat, one triangle for cheese, etc .Or if it is a fruit tray, alternate kiwi, strawberry, pineapple, grapes, melons and so on. If it is a vegetable tray do the same with every other carrots, celery, tiny tomatoes, cauliflower or whatever you’ve chosen.
6. In the center you can put a dish of dip or mustard, or a decoration. A great tropical look for your luau fruit tray is to use the top of a fresh pineapple. Put it in the center of the platter and use bunches of grapes to hold it in place. Flowers are great to decorate the center of your party platter as well.
7. Make a dip or sauce tray. Instead of dip in the center of each tray you can make a dip tray and alternate dishes of sauces, dips, mayonnaise, mustard, etc. Place it alongside your other trays. Your guests will know what to do! Don’t forget to make it beautiful by garnishing with flowers or lettuce.
Choose a smaller occasion to get started making party trays.. Make up a tray and invite some friends over. Listen and note any comments and requests. You can use your notes to improve on your future party trays. How about a Southwestern fiesta tray? Try an all seafood tray. Or maybe a party tray with only cookies. Whatever you choose to put on your trays, you are going to save money over the high prices of a typical caterer or even your local deli by making it yourself.
