If sharing is caring, then what could be more romantic than a sharing platter for your special meal Valentine’s Day. What’s great is its super easy to create with basic ingredients. Here are some ideas for sharing platters…
Tips for laying out a platter:
- You will ideally need a large wooden chopping board for a rustic look, but a lovely serving plate will do. I love this style.
- Lay out all the food so It’s nestled closely together, this gives the impression of a real feast.
- You can create extra height with small tapas bowls for foods in oil or vinegar. These are so cute.
- Mini forks or toothpicks are also fun to use for tasting. Ones with hearts are extra special, I love these from Meri Meri.
Setting the scene
It always makes a romantic meal feel extra special with some additional touches even when you are at home.
- Here I have used a piece of fabric I had to create a table cloth.
- Why not buy in some red roses and keep them as a table centre.
- Create a romantic cocktail or mock-tail in some pretty glasses.
- You can use heart shaped plates or decorations to add detial.
- Why not present your card or a little gift at the meal. I love the MakeBox handmade paper cut cards, just perfect.
Platter ideas
Meat Lovers
If you are a meat lover why not go all Mediterranean with a section of cured meats, cheeses and tapas style titbits.
Food ideas:
- Parma ham
- Salami
- Smoked ham or turkey
- Mini chicken kebabs seasoned with paprika
- Mini pies
- Olives
- Nuts
- Your favourite cheeses; Brie, cheddar (can be cut into squares) & goats cheeses work well. It’s up to you if you want to go blue but may finish your chances of a snog.
- Pickles
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Crackers
- Sausage rolls
Also have a fresh loaf of bread sliced on hand with a dish of butter.
Veggie Kisses
For those who don't eat meat, of course you can base your sharing platter around fish and veggie snacks. Or why not try the exceptional substitutes from brands such as Linda McCartney, Good Life or Future Farm.
Food ideas:
- Mini cheesy filo parcels
- Mini fish kebabs
- Mini Spinach and ricotta filo parcels
- Veggie sausage rolls
- Smoked salmon
- Olives
- Nuts
- Your favourite cheeses; Brie, cheddar (can be cut into squares) & goats cheeses work well. It’s up to you if you want to go blue but may finish your chances of a snog.
- Pickles
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Crackers
- Veggie sausage rolls
Also have a fresh loaf of bread sliced on hand with a dish of butter.
Vegan Delights
There are so many brilliant plant based brands now creating party style snacks, which you can combine with homemade treats. Why not crack out the grill to add some smokiness to your food. I would recommend Plant Pioneers and the Vegan Butcher for ready made morsels.
Food ideas:
- Grilled vegetable kebabs, using chunky sliced red or green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and onion.
- Vegan mushroom and spinach quiche, cut up into small triangles
- Vegan samosas
- Vegan cheese
- Olives
- Nuts
- Pickles
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Vegan Crackers
Also have a fresh loaf of vegan bread sliced on hand with a dish of plant based butter. ( flora do a great one).
Pudding
No romantic meal is complete without something sweet. If you are pushed on time, Cook do some wonderful puds that you just need to defrost. You can also go fun like brownies, doughnuts or strawberries and cream!
If you fancy making your Valentines day extra special with some handmade surprises check out our range of gorgeous crafts here.
Happy romantic dining,
Love Hannah x