( Via Megan Hess )
I am not ready to let Summer go yet, are you? Surely we still have some patio parties and backyard barbecues left on our calendars. Cooking for a crowd as a host or a guest is always a guessing game. There's one thing for certain, a pleasing platter always looks bountiful and beautiful. Here's a round up of party platters and recipes for your late Summer entertaining.
The New Crudite Platter
The typical crudite platter can get a little boring. Not this one. Think fried asparagus, fried mozzarella, and zucchini blossoms. Oh how yummy!
Zen Large Green Leaf Platter
Boursin Cheese Platter
A cheese platter is probably the most successful dish you can serve for company. Everyone likes it. But you must make it look like this one if you really want to impress.
Michael Aram Dip Platter
Grilled Portobello Steak Salad With Avocado, Lime & Grilled Corn
{ Vegan & Gluten Free }
What a quick (less than 30 minutes) and satisfying meal. Perfect for hot nights or afternoons on the patio.
Marble and Metal Serving Board
A Summer Clambake
Here's a sad fact, I have never been to a clambake! To make matters worse, clams, crab, and lobster are my favorite foods. Anyone feeling sorry for me can send Dean & Deluca's Clambake any day. Anthro has put together this fabulous feast. The Romesco Sauce sounds delish!
Nectarine Panzanella Salad
Have you ever served salad on a platter? I have not, but after finding this recipe, it's happening! What a gorgeous dish for company. A bread salad is just fab!
Rablabs Kiva Zebra Platter
Bacon Ciabatta Crostini With Pimento Cheese and Candied Jalapeños
I so love a crostini. They are easy to assemble, yet look special and interesting. This one sounds great.
Grilled Stone Fruit + Almond Marscapone Dip
With only six ingredients, this delicious dessert is easy to make and quite unique.
Crudite Platter With Vegan Green Dressing
More gorgeous veggies! The star of this party is the dressing or dip. It's made with Tofu and fresh herbs.
Hot and Cold Soapstone Platter
Party Squid With Harissa Mayo
Oh my goodness! Sign me up for this one. The recipe promises to be fresh and crispy.
Hand Stamped Bronze Serverware
Flatbread With Potatoes, Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions
Elegant and easy. Flatbread is much easier to eat than most pizzas. Every guy likes bacon and every girl loves a salad. This recipe pleases both. Watch the DIY movie at
Tyler Florence On The Only Way He Will Serve A Salad
Grilled Figs with Prosciutto and Goat Cheese
What is there not to like about these three ingredients? Click thru for the recipe and a great tip on how to select the perfect fig.
Bento Matte Platters
Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels
Aren't these pretty? They are rather healthy too, making them a terrific treat for adults and kids, too.
Marble and Acacia Wood Server
Heirloom Tomato Cheddar Tart
A recipe so perfect for right now! It is simple, made with frozen puff pastry, and ever so beautiful. This might be my fave.
Martha Stewart Crudite Platter
Leave it to Martha to serve up the most perfect window box garden as center stage of this dinner table. Get the details at
