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 sharing board
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Platters to buy
FULLSPÄCKAD serving tray
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)
Porcelain chip and dip serving dish
This five-section chip and dip platter is the perfect serving solution for nachos. This porcelain dish is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, too.
Available from:
John Lewis (£20)
Elements oval marble serve board
Present cold and hot dishes on this oval-shaped serving board – the marble makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures.
Available from:
Wayfair (£23.99)