If there’s one thing I believe every host should have in their back pocket, it’s a go-to snack platter.
Not the kind that feels overworked or overly precious but one that’s generous, flexible, and designed to wake up the table the moment guests arrive. A snack platter sets the tone. It buys you time. It invites people to gather, graze, and settle in before anything formal begins.
More than anything, it signals ease.
Start with flavour, then build intrigue
When I’m planning a snack platter, I always think in terms of bold flavours, varied textures, and colour. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about contrast and curiosity.
I usually begin with a spreadable cheese as the anchor. Cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone all work beautifully, especially when infused with something punchy — think herbs, spices, chilli oil, or a spoon of something briny or smoky. This gives guests something comforting, but not boring.
From there, I build outward.
Balance is everything
A great snack platter hits multiple notes:
Tartness: olives, pickles, or anything lightly fermented to cut through richness
Smokiness: tinned mussels, sardines, or anchovies for depth and umami
Freshness: crisp vegetables, cucumber, peppers, or a simple hummus
Sweetness: seasonal fruit to soften and round everything out
Protein: something satisfying that makes the platter feel substantial
An exciting bread or cracker: this is what ties it all together, choose something with texture and personality
LET IT FEEL ABUNDANT, NOT OVERTHOUGHT
What I love most about a go-to snack platter is how adaptable it is. You can scale it up or down, swap elements depending on the season, or build it from what you already have on hand. It’s less about rules and more about rhythm. This is the kind of platter that welcomes people in, opens up appetites, and gently eases everyone into the experience of being hosted.
Love,
V