A Party tray is an excellent idea for any party, whether a birthday, anniversary, or just because you want to have fun with your friends. They can also be used as centrepieces at the table or on top of a bar. Some people like them because they’re easy to set up, and others love them because there’s a variety of things that you can put on the tray.
The best thing about these party trays is you can make them yourself! You don’t need an expensive kit or to hire a food service business. However, you’ll need to use your creativity to fill them with whatever makes you happy.
What Is a Party Tray?
A party tray is a platter that holds food for guests to enjoy. It’s usually made out of wood, plastic, or metal. It doesn’t matter what material it’s made from; what matters is what you put on it and how you decorate it.
In most cases, people put appetizers on their party trays. This includes cheese, finger foods, such as chips, pretzels, crackers, etc., and other snacks, like dip, salsa, hummus, guacamole, and more.
Tips on Making a Party Tray
It’s easy to make a party tray, but if you want to get the most out of this project, then follow these tips:
1. Add Variety
When making a party tray, add some variety. For example, instead of sticking to one kind of snack, why not mix it up by adding different types of chips, pretzels, and crackers? Or, instead of using only one type of dip, why not try something new? You can even add some homemade snacks or drops to your tray. Changing things will make your it more unique.
2. Mix and Match
Another tip when planning a party tray is to mix and match different food items together. The key here is to think outside the box.
For instance, you could include both salty and sweet treats. Or, if you want to add vegetables to your party tray, why not mix it up? You may want to add both raw and cooked vegetables. This incorporates different textures and flavours into your party tray.
3. Create a Theme
If you want to create a themed party tray, choose specific colours, textures, patterns, or even themes, depending on your goal. For example, you might pick a colour scheme based on the season.
So if you’re throwing a summer party, you could use bright yellows, oranges, and greens. These include fresh fruit like berries and oranges. Alternatively, if you’re looking to throw a winter party, you could use warm reds, pinks, and purples. You may want to add grapes, figs, and apples.
4. Look for Inspiration
Don’t just stick to what you know. Instead, look around online for inspiration. Many websites are dedicated to party ideas, such as Pinterest or YouTube. Search for “party tray,” and you’ll find plenty of ideas. Several people are willing to share their party tray ideas with you. You may even learn from restaurant veterans, making it at home easier.
5. Use Your Creativity
Finally, remember to let your imagination run wild when putting together a party tray. Don’t worry too much about a specific plan before assembling your tray. Instead, allow yourself to have fun while creating your masterpiece. There are no set rules when it comes to designing a party tray.
Types of Party Trays
Some of the most popular party trays include:
Cheese Board
As the name suggests, a cheese board is ideal for serving cheese. It can be used as a buffet table centrepiece or a simple appetizer. Cheese boards include different types of cheese, such as feta, cheddar, brie, blue cheese, and more. You can add other toppings, such as nuts, fruits, meats, etc., to give your cheese board a full flavour.
Fruit Platter
A fruit platter is another excellent option for a party tray. They come in many shapes and sizes and feature various fruits. Fruits usually include apples, berries, kiwis, oranges, etc. When choosing your fruits, it’s best to select those in season. This will ensure that the fruits are at their peak ripeness.
Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie is a French term meaning cured meat. In this case, charcuterie refers to appetizers made from various slices of meat. These include sausages, salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, and smoked ham. Like other party trays, you can experiment with different flavours and fillers. You can serve them on a wooden board, a glass plate, or a metal platter. The options are endless!
Summary
Creating a party tray doesn’t require a lot of effort. All you need is creativity, a little planning, and some inspiration. Once you’ve assembled a few essential components, you can start experimenting. This will help you create the best for your guests.