Top 18 'Family-Style' Sharing Platters to try for Laid-Back Dinner Parties
There’s a certain magic that happens when people gather around a table to share a meal. Forget the rigid formality of plated courses and the stress of timing everything perfectly. The future of entertaining is relaxed, communal, and centered around one glorious concept: the sharing platter. It’s more than just food on a board; it’s an invitation to connect, to reach across the table, and to build conversations as you build your plate.
This family-style approach to dining instantly creates a warm and convivial atmosphere. It transforms a simple dinner party into an interactive experience, breaking down barriers and encouraging guests to mingle. As a host, it's a game-changer. Most of the prep can be done in advance, leaving you free to actually enjoy the company of your friends and family instead of being tethered to the kitchen.
Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that food is a powerful tool for connection. That’s why we’ve curated this ultimate list of 18 family-style sharing platters. From timeless classics to globally-inspired feasts, these ideas are designed to help you host memorable, stress-free gatherings that are all about good food and even better company.
1. The Ultimate Charcuterie & Cheese Board
Let's start with the undisputed champion of sharing platters. A well-crafted charcuterie and cheese board is a work of art that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect icebreaker, allowing guests to graze and chat at their own pace. The key to a great board is variety and balance—a symphony of salty, sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy.
For the components, think in categories. Cheeses: aim for a trio of textures and flavours, like a hard, aged cheese (Manchego or an aged cheddar), a creamy soft cheese (Brie or Camembert), and something bold (a goat cheese or a mild blue). Meats: offer a similar variety, such as thinly sliced prosciutto, spicy salami, and a rich pâté or terrine. The accompaniments are what truly elevate it: salty olives, tangy cornichons, sweet fig jam, a dollop of honeycomb, and an assortment of crackers and sliced baguette.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to fill every nook and cranny. Use clusters of grapes, handfuls of marcona almonds, and sprigs of fresh rosemary to make your board look lush and abundant. Arrange items in waves and piles rather than neat rows for a more rustic, inviting feel.
2. The Vibrant Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Transport your guests to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with a colourful and healthy Mezze platter. This style of dining is inherently communal and celebrated for its fresh, vibrant flavours. It’s a fantastic option that caters well to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free.
The stars of a Mezze platter are the dips and spreads. A creamy hummus is non-negotiable, alongside a smoky baba ghanoush (eggplant dip) and a refreshing tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip). Surround these with warm, fluffy pita bread (or gluten-free crackers), crispy falafel balls, briny feta cheese, and a mix of Kalamata and green olives. Add some freshness with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves).
Pro Tip: Make your own hummus! It’s surprisingly easy and tastes infinitely better than most store-bought versions. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac on top makes all the difference.
3. The Interactive Taco Bar Platter
For a fun, festive, and completely hands-on dinner party, nothing beats a deconstructed taco bar. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that lets everyone customize their meal exactly how they like it. The prep is straightforward, and the result is a vibrant explosion of colour and flavour.
Set out a large platter or several bowls with all the fixings. Start with your protein base: seasoned ground beef, smoky pulled chicken, spicy carnitas (pulled pork), or a hearty black bean and corn mixture for a vegetarian option. Offer a choice of warm soft and hard taco shells. Then, pile on the toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, jalapeños, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a big bowl of guacamole. Don't forget the sauces—a mild pico de gallo, a zesty salsa verde, and a creamy lime crema or sour cream.
Pro Tip: Use a slow cooker to prepare your meat filling. It can be made hours in advance and kept warm throughout the party, ensuring everyone gets a hot and delicious taco, even if they're late to the party.
4. The Rustic Italian Antipasto Platter
An Antipasto platter is the soulful, rustic cousin of the French charcuterie board. It’s a celebration of Italian simplicity, focusing on high-quality ingredients that speak for themselves. The word "antipasto" literally means "before the meal," but a generous platter can easily become the main event of a laid-back evening.
Load up your board with Italian cured meats like prosciutto di Parma, soppressata, and mortadella. For cheeses, think classic Italian: creamy mozzarella or burrata, sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano chunks, and tangy Pecorino. The real soul of an antipasto platter, however, lies in the marinated vegetables. Include artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a good olive mix. Serve with crusty ciabatta bread and crispy breadsticks (grissini).
Pro Tip: Drizzle everything with a phenomenal extra virgin olive oil just before serving. It ties all the flavours together. For a special touch, add a small bowl of high-quality balsamic vinegar for dipping.
5. The Show-Stopping Seafood Boil Platter
If you really want to wow your guests and create a memorable, hands-on experience, a seafood boil platter is the way to go. It’s messy, communal, and utterly delicious. Traditionally boiled in a large pot with spices and then spread directly onto a newspaper-covered table, you can create a slightly more contained version on a giant platter or baking sheet.
The essentials are shrimp, andouille sausage, new potatoes, and corn on the cob, all boiled in a flavourful broth seasoned with Old Bay or Cajun spices. You can also add crawfish, clams, or mussels for extra variety. Once cooked, drain everything and toss it in a garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Pro Tip: Don't forget the accessories! Provide plenty of napkins, a bowl for shells, and small dishes of melted butter for dipping. This meal is an event, so embrace the glorious mess.
6. The DIY Bruschetta Bar
Simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable, a bruschetta bar is a brilliant way to empower your guests to get creative. The concept is easy: provide the toasted bread base and an array of delicious toppings for them to mix and match. It's light, fresh, and perfect for a summer evening.
Start with the foundation: slices of a good quality baguette or sourdough, brushed with olive oil, rubbed with a garlic clove, and toasted until golden and crisp. For the toppings, offer a classic combination of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. Then, add more inventive options like a mushroom and thyme mixture, a white bean and rosemary spread, whipped ricotta with honey, or an olive tapenade.
Pro Tip: Prepare all the toppings in advance and store them in separate bowls. This makes assembly on the day of the party incredibly quick. You can toast the bread just as guests are arriving so it's perfectly warm and crisp.
7. The Asian Dumpling & Spring Roll Platter
Dive into the delicious world of dim sum with a platter piled high with assorted dumplings and spring rolls. This is a fantastic option for a flavour-packed meal that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy. You can go the extra mile and make your own, but there are also excellent high-quality frozen options available that make this an incredibly easy party platter.
Offer a variety to please every palate. Include steamed pork and chive dumplings, crispy fried vegetable spring rolls, pan-fried gyoza, and maybe some delicate shrimp har gow. The dipping sauces are just as important as the dumplings themselves. Provide a classic soy-vinegar-ginger sauce, a sweet chili sauce, and a spicy chili oil.
Pro Tip: Use a multi-level bamboo steamer to cook different types of steamed dumplings at once. It not only looks beautiful when brought to the table but is also highly efficient. Garnish the platter with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for a professional touch.
8. The Gourmet Slider Board
Sliders are the perfect party food—small enough to eat a few different kinds, but substantial enough to be satisfying. A gourmet slider board takes the humble mini-burger to a new level, offering a range of patties and toppings that go far beyond a simple beef and cheese combo.
Create a few different types of sliders. For example, classic beef with cheddar and a pickle, grilled chicken with avocado and chipotle mayo, and a veggie-friendly option like a black bean patty with pepper jack cheese. Arrange the cooked patties on a board alongside a basket of toasted brioche buns and let guests build their own. Include a spread of condiments like ketchup, mustard, special sauces, and toppings like caramelized onions, bacon bits, and different types of cheese.
Pro Tip: To keep the patties warm, place them in a foil-covered baking dish in a low-temperature oven (around 90°C or 200°F) until you're ready to serve.
9. The Build-Your-Own Bao Bun Platter
Bao buns—those fluffy, steamed, cloud-like pockets of goodness—are a guaranteed hit. A build-your-own bao platter is another wonderfully interactive meal that’s full of incredible textures and umami-rich flavours.
The star of the show is the filling. A slow-braised, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is the traditional choice, but crispy fried chicken, hoisin-glazed pulled duck, or pan-fried tofu with a sweet soy glaze are all amazing alternatives. Serve the warm, steamed bao buns alongside the fillings and a variety of crunchy, tangy toppings like pickled carrots and daikon, sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts. A drizzle of sriracha or hoisin sauce finishes it off perfectly.
Pro Tip: You can find pre-made frozen bao buns at most Asian supermarkets. They simply need to be steamed for a few minutes before serving, making this an impressively low-effort, high-reward meal.
10. The Ultimate Loaded Nacho Platter
For pure, unadulterated comfort food, nothing beats a massive platter of loaded nachos. This isn't just a snack; when done right, it's a full meal. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a casual game night or a relaxed movie marathon with friends.
Start with a sturdy base of thick corn tortilla chips spread evenly on a large, oven-safe platter or sheet pan. Top generously with your choice of protein (taco-seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans), and a copious amount of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Then, go wild with the cold toppings: a mountain of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Pro Tip: To avoid soggy chips, layer your ingredients strategically. Put the cheese down first to create a barrier between the chips and the wetter ingredients like the meat or beans. Add the cold toppings right before serving.
11. The Simple & Elegant Caprese & Burrata Platter
Sometimes, the most memorable dishes are the simplest. This platter celebrates the holy trinity of Italian summer flavours: tomatoes, basil, and cheese. It’s incredibly quick to assemble but looks and tastes effortlessly chic, proving that you don’t need a dozen ingredients to create something special.
The centerpiece should be a ball of creamy, decadent burrata. Surround it with slices of ripe, flavourful heirloom tomatoes in various colours and sizes, and fresh, vibrant basil leaves. For a classic Caprese element, you can also alternate slices of fresh mozzarella with tomato. Add some prosciutto or salty anchovies for a savoury kick. The final, crucial step is a generous drizzle of the best extra virgin olive oil you can find and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Pro Tip: This platter is all about the quality of the ingredients. Don't skimp! Use tomatoes that are in season, buy the freshest burrata you can find (it should be eaten within a day or two), and use a high-quality, flavourful olive oil.
12. The Hearty Greek Souvlaki Platter
Bring the flavours of a Greek taverna to your dining table with a deconstructed souvlaki platter. It's a satisfying, well-rounded meal with a fantastic mix of grilled meats, fresh salad, and creamy sauce, all ready to be piled into warm pita bread.
The main component is the souvlaki—skewers of meat (traditionally pork or chicken) marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection. Arrange the cooked skewers on a large platter. Add a generous pile of warm, soft pita bread, a big bowl of homemade tzatziki, and a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta. Lemon wedges on the side are a must for squeezing over everything.
Pro Tip: Marinate the meat for at least a few hours, or even overnight, to ensure it’s packed with flavour and incredibly tender. If you don't have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works beautifully.
13. The Wholesome Roasted Vegetable & Grain Bowl Platter
For a healthier yet equally delicious sharing option, a roasted vegetable and grain bowl platter is a fantastic choice. It’s colourful, nutrient-packed, and easily adaptable to seasonal produce and dietary needs. This is the kind of satisfying meal that leaves everyone feeling good.
Roast a colourful medley of seasonal vegetables—think sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and red onion—tossed in olive oil and herbs until tender and slightly caramelized. Arrange them on a platter alongside a cooked grain base like quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Add bowls of protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or edamame. Finish with flavour-boosters like crumbled feta, toasted seeds, avocado slices, and a delicious dressing like a lemon-tahini sauce or a green goddess vinaigrette.
Pro Tip: To save time, you can chop and even roast the vegetables a day in advance. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to crisp them up again.
14. The Playful "Breakfast for Dinner" Board
Who says breakfast foods are only for the morning? A "brinner" board is a whimsical and delightful theme for a dinner party that taps into a universal love for comfort food. It’s unexpected, fun, and sure to bring a smile to your guests' faces.
This is all about abundance and choice. Anchor your board with stacks of mini pancakes or waffles. Add crispy bacon and breakfast sausages. Include some form of eggs—scrambled is easy, or you could make mini frittatas in a muffin tin. Then, surround them with all the best accompaniments: fresh berries, sliced bananas, maple syrup, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and a bowl of yogurt or granola.
Pro Tip: Use a large electric griddle to cook pancakes and bacon simultaneously, which is much more efficient than using multiple pans on the stove.
15. The Retro & Fun Fondue Platter
Bring back the 70s with a fondue platter! It's the original interactive sharing meal and remains a fun and engaging way to dine. Whether you choose a savoury cheese fondue or a decadent chocolate one for dessert, the act of dipping and sharing is always a recipe for a good time.
For a classic cheese fondue, a blend of Gruyère and Emmental melted with white wine and a splash of kirsch is traditional. Provide an array of dippables: cubed crusty bread (slightly stale bread works best), boiled new potatoes, blanched broccoli and cauliflower florets, apple slices, and cured meats. For a chocolate fondue, melt good-quality dark or milk chocolate with a bit of cream and serve with strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels, and cubes of pound cake.
Pro Tip: Rub the inside of your fondue pot with a cut garlic clove before adding the cheese. It imparts a subtle but essential layer of flavour to the fondue.
16. The Sizzling Korean BBQ-Style Platter
Capture the exciting, interactive spirit of a Korean BBQ restaurant at home. This platter is all about bold, savoury, and spicy flavours. While using a tabletop grill is the most authentic way to do it, you can easily pre-grill or pan-fry the meats and arrange them on a platter for serving.
The stars are the marinated meats. Offer a couple of options, like thinly sliced beef bulgogi (marinated in a sweet soy sauce) and spicy gochujang-marinated pork or chicken. Serve the cooked meats with large, soft lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce) for wrapping. Essential accompaniments include steamed short-grain rice, kimchi, and a variety of other small side dishes (banchan) like seasoned spinach or pickled radishes. Don't forget the ssamjang—a flavourful dipping paste made from fermented soybean paste and chili paste.
Pro Tip: A key flavour in Korean marinades is grated Asian pear, which not only adds sweetness but also contains an enzyme that helps to tenderize the meat.
17. The Elegant Sushi & Sashimi Platter
For a sophisticated and light yet satisfying meal, a beautiful sushi and sashimi platter is unbeatable. It requires no cooking on your part (unless you're making the sushi yourself!) and always feels like a special treat. Sourcing high-quality fish is paramount here.
Create a stunning display by arranging a variety of sushi rolls (maki), nigiri (fish over rice), and slices of fresh sashimi (raw fish like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail) on a large, flat platter. Garnish with vibrant green edamame (steamed and salted), piles of pickled ginger (gari) to cleanse the palate, and a small mound of fiery wasabi. Serve with small individual bowls for soy sauce.
Pro Tip: If you're buying from a sushi restaurant, ask them to arrange it on one of your own platters. It’s a simple trick that instantly makes the meal feel more personal and elegantly presented for your party.
18. The Decadent Dessert Grazing Board
Why choose one dessert when you can have a little bit of everything? A dessert grazing board is the ultimate sweet finale to any dinner party. It’s a feast for the eyes and allows guests to sample a wide variety of treats at their leisure.
The key is a mix of textures, flavours, and types of sweets. Include a chocolate element (like brownie bites or a bowl of chocolate truffles), a fruity element (fresh berries, chocolate-covered strawberries, or mini fruit tarts), a creamy element (like a chocolate-hazelnut dip or a caramel sauce), and a crunchy element (cookies, biscotti, or chocolate-covered pretzels). Fill in the gaps with marshmallows, nuts, and other small candies.
Pro Tip: Anchor the board with one or two "centerpiece" items, like a small cheesecake or a chocolate fondue pot, and build the smaller items out from there. It creates a focal point and makes the board look more structured and visually appealing.
Ultimately, the best dinner parties are built on connection, not perfection. Choosing a family-style sharing platter takes the pressure off you as the host and puts the focus back on what truly matters: spending quality time with the people you care about. So pick a platter, invite your friends over, and get ready to make some delicious memories.
What are your favorite sharing platters to make for a party? Do you have a go-to recipe or a creative idea we missed? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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