How to Put Together a Meat Platter

Add a personal touch by creating a meat tray at home.

A meat platter featuring fresh cuts of turkey, ham, chicken and other assorted cold cuts will satisfy the appetites of guests at any event. Purchasing a pre-packaged meat tray from a grocery store is a time saver, but you do not get as much for your dollar. Purchase the necessary meats, tray and garnishes required to design your own meat platter; you will save money and you'll be able to customize the tray. Does this Spark an idea?

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Antibacterial soap
Plastic gloves
Garnish
Treats
Decorative statue
Plastic wrap

Instructions

- 1
  
  Estimate the amount of meat required for your party. Based upon the other foods being served and the appetites of the attendees, figure that a single person will each anywhere between 1/8 and 1/2 lb. of meat.
- 2
  
  Locate enough cold cuts based upon this number. Use a variety of meats, including ham, roast beef, turkey and chicken, as these will satisfy many of the guest's tastes.
- 3
  
  Wash the glass or plastic meat tray with soapy water. Wipe down the tray and rinse it off well. Choose a tray that is segmented or flat, depending upon the availability and personal preference.
- 4
  
  Dry off the platter and set it onto a counter of kitchen table. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and slip on a pair of plastic gloves when handling the food.
- 5
  
  Remove all of the meats from the deli bags and roll each individually. Once a slice is rolled, arrange it onto the tray with the seam side down. Separate the meats based upon their type.
- 6
  
  Continue to roll and arrange the meats on the tray by type. Stack them onto one another in the shape of a pyramid. Leave a 1/2-to-1 inch space between the different stacks of meat.
- 7
  
  Place garnish in between the stacks of rolled meat. Use parsley, lettuce, cherry tomatoes or even flower blossoms to provide an attractive touch to the tray.
- 8
  
  Scatter other treats onto the tray on top of the garnish. Place cheese cubes, cheese curds, olives, pickles and any other food to give the guests another treat.
- 9
  
  Fill the center of the tray with a stack of crackers, cheese slices or a decorative figure to finish off the tray.
- 10
  
  Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a plastic lid. Refrigerate the tray until it is ready for serving.