Negative Space Appetizer Platter (Printable)

A visually captivating platter combining cheeses, fruits, nuts, and vibrant garnishes with artistic negative space design.

# What You Need:

→ Cheeses & Spreads

01 - 3.5 oz Brie cheese, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz Manchego cheese, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

→ Fruits

04 - 1 cup seedless red grapes
05 - 1 cup strawberries, halved
06 - 1 kiwi, sliced
07 - ½ cup blueberries

→ Savory Accompaniments

08 - 12 thin crackers
09 - ½ cup roasted almonds
10 - ¼ cup green olives, pitted

→ Garnishes

11 - Fresh mint leaves for decoration
12 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Choose the negative space motif such as a star or initial and lightly sketch it on parchment paper sized to your serving board.
02 - Place the parchment atop the serving platter to serve as a layout reference.
03 - Cluster the cheeses and crackers evenly around the sketched negative space, ensuring the shape remains clear and unobstructed.
04 - Carefully fill surrounding gaps with grapes, strawberries, kiwi slices, and blueberries, preserving the negative shape.
05 - Place almonds and olives in small groups to introduce texture and color contrast.
06 - Gently lift the parchment to reveal the clean, defined negative space.
07 - Decorate the platter with fresh mint leaves and optional edible flowers to enhance visual appeal.
08 - Present immediately, encouraging guests to appreciate the design before sampling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that requires zero cooking—just your eye for design and a little patience with arrangement
  • Guests will be talking about this platter long after the party ends, because it's equal parts delicious and Instagram-worthy
  • You get to play artist in your own kitchen, designing something completely unique to your vision or your guest of honor
02 -
  • Remove parchment paper slowly and gently from the center outward, or you'll accidentally knock fruit and cheese into your carefully planned negative space—learned this the hard way at a dinner party where I had to do an emergency rescue.
  • Arrange from the outer edges inward, always working toward your negative space. This prevents you from accidentally placing something in the sacred empty area.
  • Do all your slicing and prep at least 30 minutes before final assembly so you're not rushing when the precision work begins.
03 -
  • Use a large wooden board or marble platter—something with substance that can hold the weight and drama of your creation
  • Pre-chill your platter for 15 minutes before assembly; everything stays fresher and colors stay more vibrant longer
  • Arrange in good natural light so you can see color combinations clearly, but serve under soft, warm lighting for the most romantic presentation
Return