How to create effortless party food platters

Party grazing board ideas

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More platter recipes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Platters to buy

LSA International serve glass multi serving platter

• Available from John Lewis, £75

Serve your favourite cheese, meat, fruit and dips in this large glass multi-compartment platter.

Available from:
John Lewis, £75

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

Elements marble/acacia round serve board

• Available from Typhoon, £25

Serve appetisers, desserts or charcuterie on this sophisticated board, made from terrazzo stone and acacia wood. The marble section of the board is naturally cool, perfect for keeping cheese platters at the correct temperature.

Available from:
Typhoon, £25

Porcelain chip and dip serving dish

• Available from John Lewis, £20

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

• Available from Typhoon, £20

Present cold and hot dishes on this oval-shaped serving board – the marble makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures.

Available from:
Typhoon, £20

Porcelain & acacia wood lazy susan

• Available from John Lewis, £43

Inject some foodie frisson when serving nibbles with this rotating lazy susan, including five bowls fit for snacks and dips.

Available from:
John Lewis, £43