A platter filled with savories and sweets, soft foods and crunchies, a variety of proteins, fruits and vegetables looks compelling to the eye and satisfies most any appetites. It’s a great way to welcome guest and inspire them to help themselves for a casual gathering.

Here’s one I made recently and tips on how you can make one for your favorite crowd. First, I lined this 20″ x 20″ enameled tray that usually lives in my family room with parchment paper to protect it.

Next: Place a few ramekins or small bowls in key spots to anchor the presentation.

Fill the corners with something “spilly”, I used the corners for crackers.

Start filling in the space with nuts, fresh fruits, dried fruits, smoked salmon, chunks and slices of cheese, cheese rounds, pinches of prosciuttos, rolls of cheeses and salamis. Fill the ramekins with olives, tapenade, pickled peppers.

Finish off the presentation with grapes and sprigs of herbs.

And just like that, you’ll have a tantalizing selection of treats ready for your guests!!