Serving Platter

Serving Platter

What to Serve Your Guests When They Drop In

It can be hard to whip up something when unexpected guests come over. There are a few things however that are quick and easy to make, and you'll find will be a hit with your guests too. As long as you have a quality teapot, a selection of teas and a few bottles of spirits (for late-drop ins), you'll find by following these tips, it will be easy to impress and serve guests with something they'll enjoy.

Food ideas

• For something to nibble on, there are a few simple things that are perfect for unexpected guests. Brushetta is one of those dishes that everyone loves and is so simple to make. Always keep a loaf of thick Ciabatta bread or a similar loaf in your freezer and a few tomatoes and an onion.

All you need to do to whip up delicious tasting brushetta is to put the bread in the toaster, chop up the tomatoes and onion and mix together, then toss with a dash of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Place heapings of the mixture onto the toasted bread and serve on a platter.

For morning and afternoon teas, if you want something a little sweeter, a good idea is to keep a loaf of banana or raspberry and pear bread in the freezer. Once again, it's as simple as putting the slices in the toaster (on the defrost setting), toasting to perfection and finishing with a slathering of butter. Alternatively, you could toast slices under a grill or in the oven. Just make sure it has been defrosted first if it is not a fresh loaf. Cut bread into quarters for easy finger food if you are serving many people.

Drink Choices

• For those late night drops ins, a fine selection of spirits is a good idea for mixing cocktails. Lots of ice is also important. Alternatively, have a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge if you prefer. For those unexpected celebrations, a bottle of french champagne should always have it's place in the liquor cabinet.
• For morning and afternoon tea drop ins, you can't beat a fine selection of flavoured teas. There are so many beautifully designed teapots you can purchase to serve your tea in as well. Glass teapots are a great option as you can watch as the tea diffuses. Search online or visit a boutique tea shop and purchase some unusual tea varieties to give guests a good selection. However make sure you do have some traditional teas such as Earl Grey, Chamomile and English Breakfast as some people may prefer these varieties.

For hot summer afternoons you can't beat homemade iced tea. It's easy to make, and looks great in a tall glass with a few ice cubes. Keep a jug of it in your fridge if you suspect you might be having guests.

By having a few items in your pantry or fridge, you'll find it easy to create a delicious light meal and accompanying beverage when those unexpected guests drop by

 

About the Author

Teapot Shop has a huge range of higher end, designer teapots with discounted prices. For more information or to view the range of products, visit Teapot

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Mother serving a turkey on a platter $19.99 Mother serving a turkey on a platter - Photographic Print

Huge Lobster on Serving Platter $49.99 Huge Lobster on Serving Platter - Giclee Print

16-inch Round Serving Platter $45.37 Serving tray made from stainless steel for durabilityServeware features a mirror finish that's easy to cleanServing platter is ideal to serve drinks, desserts, appetizers and more

Sonoma Collection Serving Platter $77.62 Sonoma Collection Serving Platter is a fresh addition to any kitchenHand-painted ceramic with clusters of juicy purple grapes against a warm golden backgroundDecorative serving platter with Old World charmHigh quality ceramic construction Handcrafted and hand-painted by expert craftsmen Microwave and dishwasher safe Measures 1.25 inches high x 15.25 inches in diameter

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Sango Avanti Brown Small Serving Platter $9.99 Small rectangular serving platter. Available in Avanti Brown. Measures approximately 9x7.?

18-inch Oval Serving Platter $40.5 Oval serving platter made from stainless steel for durabilityServing tray features a mirror finish that's easy to cleanServeware ideal for drinks, desserts, appetizers and moreMeasures 17.6 inches long x 11.63 inches wide x 1.4 inches high

Floral Garden Serving Platter $59.57 Our vibrant Floral Garden Collection is simply stunning and a wonderful addition to any kitchen or dining room decor Platter is hand crafted and hand painted by expert craftsmenEnjoy beautiful painted flowers in burgundy and peach tones against a warm golden background Microwave and dishwasher safe Platter measures 15.25 inches in diameter x 1.25 inches in depth

Snowman Delight Large Serving Platter $52.97 Bring holiday cheer to your table with the Snowman Delight CollectionServing platter is handcrafted and hand-painted by expert craftsmenThis unique 3-dimensional design adds a festive twist to serving your favorite recipes and holiday specialtiesThis dish complements any household's holiday decor Dishwasher safeHigh quality ceramic construction12-inch diameter platter can also be used as a large dinner plate or a wonderful display piece for the holidays

Hand-painted Sunflower Serving Platter $57.74 Hand-painted serving platter is a stylish addition to your home kitchen decorDish is expertly handcrafted and hand-paintedThis serving platter is made from glazed ceramicAdd to this collection with a kitchen set (item number 1082305) and spice rack (item number 1083206)Features a sunflower garden designMicrowave and dishwasher safeMeasures 15.25 inches in diameter x 1.25 inches deep

Be Our Guest - Red Trim Serving Platter $29.99 This contemporary serving platter will remind you to thank the Lord for all He has given you.

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Parrucca Round Serving Platter $191 Round serving platter - The Parrucca Collection The Parrucca workshop is largely made up of family members who are dedicated to presenting items that depict Sicilian lifestyles, for decoration and for use in the home. Each artist is allowed to depict the subject as they wish & add their own personal touch. -Arte D'Italia Imports sources the finest handmade and hand-decorated Italian ceramics from Sicily, Umbria and Tuscany. Many of the designs date back countless generations or are derived from Renaissance artwork. Because all of our pottery is handmade, color and patterns can vary from piece to piece. This reveals the essence of the handmade process and illustrates the unique character of the piece. Our ceramics are food and dishwasher safe. We do not recommend putting items in the microwave or conventional oven.

Tuscan Collection Handpainted Serving Platter $78.95 Tuscan Collection ceramics add natural beauty to any dining experience Each ceramic piece is individually handcrafted and hand painted by expert craftsmen Serving platter features rich hues of olive green, gold, purple, orange, and red glazed on solid ceramic Made to withstand the test of time and usage Microwave and dishwasher safe A wonderful functional piece, the platter makes any dish all the more appetizing Platter can also be displayed as a gorgeous decorative piece 15.25 inches in diameter x 1.25 inches in depth

Laurie Gates Hailey Large Serving Platter (SO) $30 Hailey large leaf serving platter. Available in Green/Floral. Size 12"x10"x1". For important delivery information, click on Alternate View.

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Mercato Serving Platter $110 -One of a kind, ceramic serving platters. -Plate holder sold separately. -Inspired by travels to Italy, Bella Toscana captures the art of entertaining with wrought iron and natural marble home accents. -Each piece is hand forged and one of a kind. -Color and dimensions are approximate and may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of the product.

Happy Piggy Serving Platter / Plate $59.21 This hand-painted three dimensional piggy platter is festiveEach plate is uniquely handcraftedThis serving piece has real (material) ribbon decorations that add a special touch of elegance to every piece Functional and wonderful piece to display High quality ceramic constructionDishwasher safeDimensions are 12 inches long x 12.5 inches wide