As restrictions begin to ease and temperatures start to rise, now is the perfect time to grab a blanket and enjoy some al fresco dining. And my favourite way of serving food, platters, are a delicious alternative to the usual picnic spread. Struggling for ideas? Below are a selection of platter styles that can be created at home or ordered in through local businesses.

Afternoon Tea Platter

Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. This one from Monsieur Crepe Cafe has everything you’d expect from a traditional Afternoon Tea and can be ordered through https://www.facebook.com/monsieurcrepeuk/

Breakfast Platter

Start your day the best possible way by watching the sunrise and indulging in breakfast on the beach. This brunch box from Batch Bakery can be ordered here https://www.facebook.com/batchbakerycafe/

Charcuterie Platter

Charcuterie boards are essentially meat’s response to a cheese board. Think meats with different textures, pickles, chutney, bread and crackers. Cheese Louise creates these beauties and they can be ordered by visiting https://www.facebook.com/cheeselouise45/

Crudités Platter

Colourful vegetables and dips make for a lovely, refreshing snack. Breadsticks, falafel and nuts can be added as well.

Fruit Platter

An epic fruit platter is a perfect sweet treat to finish off a picnic. It adds colour and beauty plus it is so simple to make. People can choose their favorite fruit and pots of chocolate dipping sauce and yoghurt complete the platter. This fruit plate is from Newcastle Deli, http://www.newcastledeli.co.uk

Ploughman’s Platter

A ploughman’s lunch is a cold meal based around bread, cheese and onions, usually accompanied by butter and pickles. Additional items such as ham, green salad, hard boiled eggs and fruit can also be added. This one from The Poachers Cottage is amazing! https://www.facebook.com/The-Poachers-Cottage-182678291761643/

Sandwich & Wrap Platter

Who doesn’t love a sandwich? Offering different breads and a variety of fillings is a guaranteed group pleaser. This one is from Cracker 4 Cheese https://www.facebook.com/Crackers_4_cheese-105952364470072/

Spicy Snacks Platter

Think pakoras, bhajis, samosas, kebabs and panipuri. The good thing about these is they’re just as delicious served cold. This selection is from the recently launched Desi Munch Box, https://instagram.com/desimunchbox

Sushi Platter

Nigiri, sashimi, maki, temaki and uramaki – heaven for any sushi fan. The masters of sushi, Nudo, have an unreal selection on offer https://nudosushibox.com

Seafood Platter

Serve the ultimate “plateau de fruits de mer” by offering prawns, langoustines, lobster, oysters, scallops, mussels, clams and crab with mignonette sauce, cocktail sauce, and lemon. Alternatively, order from The Cullercoats Fish Lass https://www.facebook.com/thecullercoatsfishlass/

Wondering where to enjoy eating outdoors? Check out this post which lists our favourite parks around the North East https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/28/north-east-picnic-areas-with-childrens-play-parks-and-take-away-hot-drinks/