Party Platters: 11 Food Ideas That Make Hosting Easier

Who doesn’t love a good party? Party prep, on the other hand, can be less of a blast. From cooking countless dishes to mixing pitchers of cocktails (OK, that’s pretty fun) to tidying up before and after, being a host is no easy feat.

But there are lots of shortcuts you can take — ones that will appear far from simple to your guests. Our favorite hack: party platters.

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With the right ingredients — most of which don’t require cooking — and strategic plating, party platters can easily be the prettiest (and tastiest) way to please guests.

From cheese to chocolate to dip galore, these no-fuss party platters are definitely worth celebrating.

Vegetarian food platters

7. Vegetarian mezze platter

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Mezze platters are a great way to spread the (nutritious) love. Full of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and fresh produce, this is a great plate to accompany grilled meat — or a few pizzas.

To keep things simple, opt for hummus and tzatziki and pair with toasted pita wedges, whole-wheat crackers, and sliced veggies. And don’t worry about waste: Leftovers can be used to make a great Greek salad.

8. Fresh fruit board with ricotta blend, granola, and wildflower honey

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This brunch platter couldn’t be simpler — or more beautiful. Filled with fresh fruit, yogurt, honey, and granola, it’s the perfect way to keep things healthy (and mellow) so you can still cherish your morning cup in your pajamas.

For a large party, consider offering a few different types of yogurt. We love Greek yogurt and unsweetened coconut yogurt for anyone avoiding dairy, as well as various granolas. And since it’s so simple, we say there’s no shame in a mimosa (or two).

9. Mediterranean bruschetta hummus platter

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We love that this platter keeps thing so low-key that you don’t even have to take the store-bought hummus out of its package.

It’s dressed up with a fresh bruschetta topping — which is a breeze to make — and drizzled with thick balsamic. Since the chopped veg make such a great topper, we say put a bowl of extra to the side so people can load up as needed.

Vegan party food trays

10. The ultimate vegan appetizer platter

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Gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, vegan… this platter provides a healthy assortment that will satisfy everyone’s dietary needs.

With a whopping five dips — spicy olive tapenade and smoky artichoke hummus, just to name two — and various vehicles for dipping, even cheese and meat devotees won’t miss their staples.

11. Crudité platter with dairy-free tzatziki sauce

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An easy way to spice up classic crudité platters is to go extra colorful with the veggies.

Instead of orange carrots, opt for multicolored ones. Fan of radishes? Try the watermelon variety. Tzatziki goes with literally every type of veg, so pile the platter high with anything you’d like.

We also love serving it with olive tapenade and hummus to encourage even more veggie consumption… and because they’re delicious.

Bottom line

Throwing a party can be a blast, but only if you’re not too exhausted from all the prep work, right?

These party platters will help you prep like a pro, create an Insta-worthy spread, and still have the energy for a great time. Go on and dig in to these masterpieces with your guests. You deserve it.