It’s always good to be prepared for an impromptu party or unexpected guest and have the confidence that you can quickly pull together an inexpensive appetizer platter. The secret is to have key items on hand that are healthy, simple and inexpensive. And, if said impromptu party or unexpected guest doesn’t arrive… rest easy knowing that stocking the right ingredients means they are versatile enough for your every day life. In other words, you’ll be eating them throughout the week anyway!

To get your creative juices flowing, I pulled together simple ingredients during my last Aldis run and throw them all together on a simple white platter that I purchased at Target. Honestly, shop any flea market and you’ll find a plethora of charming and basic platters for a fraction of the cost. I also like to keep my eyes open for random small bowls of all types and sizes since they are PERFECT for entertaining when preparing tapas for inexpensive party platters like this one.

Everything here can be pulled together for $10 or less. That’s right, under ten dollars. The secret to any party platter, cheese board, grazing board, or grazing tray is that you don’t have to use the entire packaging content of the ingredients you purchase. In fact, for most of these items, I use only a third of the package. This leaves me with plenty of leftovers for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. That’s a fun and inexpensive party platter tip for you!

Let’s talk specifics. I purchased the following items and have noted the full retail price and amount of product actually used. At the end of the day, the smaller the platter or board, the more abundant everything looks and feels. And when it comes to entertaining, I believe in the abundance theory. Make your guests feel like they don’t have to skimp!  This platter easily serves 6-8 folks as a fun appetizer.

1. Jalapeno Artichoke Dip with Monterey Jack Cheese, Onion & Dill ($3.69) (2/3^rd)
2. Hot & Sweet Trail Mix  ($0.59) (2 packages) 
3. Gluten Free Crackers with Ancient Grains Rosemary & Olive Oil ($1.99)  (2/3^rd)
4. Semi-Soft Artisan Cheese Roasted Garlic with Tomato & Basil ($2.99) (2/3^rd)
5. Mesquite Smoke Turkey Breast Deli Meat ($1.99) (1/3^rd)
6. Sugar Snap Peas ($2.39) (1/3^rd)
7. Sweet Snacking Tomatoes ($2.49) (1/4^th)
8. Jalapeno Stuffed Olives ($2.89) (1/3^rd)

Do you have a favorite go-to grazing board ingredient that you love to nibble on?  

Happy grazing.

Eat well, my friends.

Lyndi