Tasting Plates

“This is just a really easy way to make even the most basic ‘filler’ items; sliced wraps, quiche, deviled eggs, mac & cheese bites etc. look way more special than they are.

Portioning onto mini tasting plates lends a clean, modern, neat, and stylish look when you arrange them in rows on a buffet table. For more about the three simple rules for layout; groups, rows, and levels, see my Dessert Table Layout page because the principles are the same for buffet tables.

Add an extra twist by serving a shot of sauce, dressing, or gravy in individual pipettes (see my other post on Food Pipettes here).

To reduce lines at the buffet table, make these grab-and-go by serving with a small disposable fork resting on the plate or stuck into the food.

You could also make these more special by using personalized disposable spoons / forks printed with your event name (see links below).

Note that these disposable mini plates come in different sizes, so check you’re buying the right size for whatever you plan to serve. Anything smaller than 4” square might result in too small a portion.

While these look great arranged in rows and grids, too many can make your buffet table look flat, so don’t forget to add height by arranging some on treat stands and risers (see links below).

Though intended to be disposable, the hard plastic is sturdy enough that some people hand-wash and reuse them for future events.

For more individual serving ideas like this, check out the Cold Small Plates section of my Buffet Table Ideas page or my Dessert Table Presentation page for sweet treats.”