3 super simple appetizer platters for the holidays

Cut through the rich flavours with a little crunchy acidity. Pickles (homemade or store-bought) are perfect for the task. Get the recipe.

Cheese board strategy

1. Buy three or four types of cheese. When in doubt, try something soft, something hard and something blue.

2. Estimate 30 to 45 g cheese per person and serve on a whole piece of wood, marble, slate or tile.

3. Dress up your board with some name tags and some beautiful cheese knives.

4. Provide lots of bread, crackers or sliced baguette. Add a handful of dried fruit, nuts and fresh fruit to cleanse the palate.

5. Bring cheeses to room temperature one hour before serving to release their flavours.

Related: 160+ holiday cookie recipes

Seafood board strategy

1. Thaw and pat dry shrimp. Mix sriracha with cocktail sauce for some heat.

2. Pre-shuck oysters and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Crush ice in a resealable bag and scatter onto a platter. Serve oysters on top.

4. Stir salsa verde with chopped cilantro, olive oil and sour cream for a fresh green seafood dip.

5. Serve prepared toasted nori sheets sprinkled with sea salt for making impromptu wraps.

Related: How to stock a bar for under $200

Charcuterie board strategy

1. Plan to serve 60 to 90 g of charcuterie per person.

2. Slice dried, hard sausages into rounds.  Try a spicy chorizo and a mild summer sausage.

3. Add a paper-thin sliced serrano ham, prosciutto or coppa, and arrange loosely.

4. Serve it all with something pickled to cut the richness, nuts for crunch, sliced baguette, crackers, a selection of mustards, and dried fruit, jam or chutney for a sweet contrast.

More:
9 mistakes you're making as a dinner guest (and how to avoid them)
11 best turkey recipes for a perfectly roasted holiday bird
How to max out the shelf life of fruits and vegetables

Watch: Chatelaine Basics: How to shuck an oyster