
How to create effortless party food platters
Our effortless party food platters are guaranteed to impress whoever's at the table, from a classic Swedish smörgåsbord to picnic platters and deluxe cheeseboards. Plus, we share which tableware to buy
Hosting an impromptu dinner party with friends? Take your entertaining skills to another level with our smart yet effortless party food platters. From salty baked feta boards to camembert toppers and a full-blown Swedish smörgåsbord, we've got your entertaining needs covered for your next get-together.
Afterwards, check out our no-oven effortless entertaining ideas and effortless entertaining recipes, or read our guide to throwing an effortless summer dinner party. Hosting friends for a World Cup match? We've got the ultimate guide to hosting the big match, as well as the best World Cup recipes to keep guests sated.
Party food platter 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 with fudgy textured 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, along with traditional cheese varieties such as brown Norwegian gjetost and jarlsberg, are a must.

Ultimate cheeseboard
This festive cheeseboard recipe from Morgan McGlynn's book The Modern Cheeseboard comes jam-packed with crowd-pleasing cheese, meat and fruit. The best thing is that it's really easy to prep.

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 luxuriously 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
Summer deli board
Perfect for the warmer months, throw together our pick of charcuterie and veggies, 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 whichever 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, £29

Present cold and hot dishes on this oval-shaped serving board – the marble makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures.
Available from:
Typhoon, £29
Tarrazzo tapered serving board with handle
Available from John Lewis, £20

Add a touch of classic Italian style to your party platter with this tapered serving board made from terazzo marble.
Available from:
John Lewis, £20
Porcelain & acacia wood lazy susan
Available from John Lewis, £40

Inject some foodie frisson when serving nibbles with this rotating lazy susan, including five bowls fit for snacks and dips.
Available from:
John Lewis, £40
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