5 Original Appetizer Platters for Entertaining
For a casual happy hour that requires little effort and prep work, you can opt for the usual charcuterie or cheese board, or you could switch things up with seafood, mezze or antipasti. Here are a few ideas to freshen up your appetizer platters.
1. Seafood Platter
To receive guests in a stylish and festive manner, go for seafood. A few smart choices to include are frozen products, such as shrimp or scallops, or canned seafood like mussels in oil or smoked oysters. And by using smoked salmon to make a mousse, for example, you only need a small amount. Here are a few more suggestions:
- Sardines in oil
- Canned pickled mussels
- Spicy shrimp
- Store-bought salmon mousse
- Homemade or store-bought sushi
- Fresh oysters
2. Vegetable Platter
Raw vegetable (or crudité) platters are a party classic, but for something different alongside the usual celery sticks and broccoli florets, choose from a variety of other vegetables for added colour and freshness.
3. Mezze Platter
Bring the flavours of the Middle East to your platter with mezze, small dishes that are meant to be shared and can be adapted into bite-sized servings.
- Falafel
- Keftas
- Hummus
- Baba ganoush (eggplant spread)
- Stuffed olives
- Grilled halloumi bites
- Flatbread
4. Antipasti Platter
Who doesn’t enjoy Italian food? To please the majority of your guests, go with classics such as charcuterie, Italian cheese and pickled vegetables.
- Calabrese
- Salami
- Antipasto
- Homemade or store-bought bruschetta
- Pickled artichokes
- Pieces of Parmesan cheese
5. Oyster Platter
Oyster season is in full swing between the months of September and December. They’re delicious and you’re sure to find several varieties at the fish counter. For an appetizer, plan for six oysters per person. Keep them chilled by placing them on a bed of ice or on snow. Here’s how to organize your platter:
And to choose your oysters well and according to your preferences, check the flavour labels at the fish counter, such as:
- Mineral and delicate
- Salty and plump
- Sweet and delicate
- Vegetal and plump
Looking for a classic platter? Read this article: How to Make a Cheese and Charcuterie Board