Because sometimes, you want all the Christmas snacking fun without committing to a full-blown cheese wheel or ten varieties of antipasto. This little sweet-and-salty platter is designed for solo Christmas movie nights, low-key get-togethers, or “I’ll just bring a plate” situations that somehow turn into a food competition. It’s festive, easy to assemble, and—best of all—100% customisable.
🎁 The Plan4One Vibe
Let’s face it: Christmas food spreads can feel like an Olympic event in over-catering. This platter dials it back to something realistic, quick, and still totally giftable or share-worthy. Think of it as the “introvert’s Christmas party” on a board — everything you love, just in smaller, balanced bites.
🧀 What You’ll Need (Serves 1–2)
Here’s a base combo that hits all the right notes — sweet, salty, crunchy, and Christmassy:
Sweet side:
- A small handful of chocolate-coated almonds or pretzels
- A few pieces of rocky road or chocolate bark
- Slices of fresh mango or strawberries
- A couple of festive shortbread cookies (bonus points if homemade — like our Mini Fruit Mince Pies)
- A few pieces of dried apricot or cranberries
Salty side:
- A few slices of your favourite hard cheese (like vintage cheddar or manchego)
- Mini rice crackers or water crackers
- A few slices of prosciutto or ham off the bone
- A handful of roasted salted cashews or pistachios
- A few cucumber or cherry tomato halves for freshness
Optional extras:
- Tiny bowl of cranberry relish or chutney
- Dark chocolate square for the finish
- Sprig of rosemary for a festive look
🎄 How to Assemble Like a Pro
- Choose your base. Use a small wooden board, a dinner plate, or even a slate tile — whatever feels fancy enough to post on Instagram (or at least impress your family group chat).
- Start with structure. Place small bowls for chutney, nuts, or chocolate pieces first. This helps shape your layout.
- Add cheese and meats. Fan them out to make it look like you spent hours curating it — even though you didn’t.
- Fill in the gaps with sweet treats and fruit. You want colour and contrast — think golds, reds, and greens.
- Garnish with something festive. A rosemary sprig, candy cane, or even a few edible flowers if you’re feeling extra.
🌞 Make It Aussie Summer-Ready
If you’re taking this outdoors, skip anything that melts too easily (sorry, chocolate lovers) and go for:
- Fresh cherries instead of mango (less sticky)
- Nuts, dried fruit, and crispbread as your main base
- Add a frozen grape or two as edible ice cubes
🧊 Storage & Prep Tips
- Make ahead: You can pre-slice cheeses and prep fruit up to 24 hours ahead. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Transporting: Assemble the platter right before serving or cover tightly with beeswax wrap for short trips.
- Leftovers: Cheese and nuts can go back in the fridge; soft fruit should be eaten the same day (as if that’s a problem).
💡 Plan4One Gifting Tip
Turn this into a DIY Christmas Snack Box by packing small portions into muffin liners and placing them in a festive tin or lunchbox. Great for neighbours, coworkers, or that one relative who “isn’t really into sweets but eats all the chocolate almonds anyway.”
🎅 Final Thought
This platter is proof you don’t need to cater for a crowd to celebrate Christmas in style. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity — ideal for when you want something festive to nibble on while watching Love Actually for the 47th time.
👉 Your Turn!
Got your own twist on a Christmas platter? Maybe a secret combo that always disappears first? Share it in the comments or tag #Plan4One on Instagram to show off your festive board!
Next up in the series: “Seafood & Sparkle Platter for One” — a light, refreshing Aussie-style Christmas lunch you can throw together in under 20 minutes.
