Holly Berry Cluster Platter (Printable Version)

A colorful holiday arrangement of berries, herbs, cheeses, nuts, and crackers perfect for festive gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Berries

01 - 1 cup fresh red currants or cranberries
02 - 1 cup pomegranate arils
03 - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved

→ Cheese & Accompaniments

04 - 7 oz goat cheese, shaped into small rounds
05 - 3.5 oz brie, cut into cubes
06 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cut into cubes

→ Crackers & Bread

07 - 1 cup assorted crackers
08 - 1/2 baguette, sliced into rounds (optional)

→ Fresh Herbs

09 - 1 large bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
10 - 1 small bunch fresh mint
11 - 1 small bunch fresh rosemary

→ Garnishes

12 - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
13 - 2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Wash and thoroughly dry all berries and herbs.
02 - On a large serving platter, arrange clusters of red berries in tight, organic groupings to mimic holly berries.
03 - Nestle small rounds of goat cheese and cubes of brie and cheddar among the berry clusters.
04 - Tuck sprigs of parsley, mint, and rosemary around the berries and cheeses to create the appearance of holly leaves and greenery.
05 - Fill in any open spaces on the platter with crackers and baguette rounds.
06 - Sprinkle toasted nuts over the platter and lightly drizzle honey over the cheeses, if desired.
07 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to pick and choose from the festive arrangement.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes just 20 minutes from start to table, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The visual impact is absolutely stunning—people always assume you spent hours creating this festive centerpiece, but it's really just thoughtful arrangement and beautiful ingredients.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, making it perfect for mixed dietary needs without anyone feeling like they're missing out.
  • Every bite combines different textures and flavors: creamy cheese, juicy berries, crispy nuts, and fresh herbs that taste like you picked them moments before.
02 -
  • The secret to a platter that stays beautiful throughout an event is to dry everything thoroughly—any moisture will make colors dull and cause things to slip around. I learned this the hard way at my second dinner party when everything started looking tired after thirty minutes.
  • Arrange your platter as close to serving time as possible. Berries hold their color best when they haven't been cut or exposed to air for long, and herbs stay perky when they're fresh. If you must arrange it ahead, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it cool.
  • The way you arrange things matters more than perfection. Tight clusters look more intentional than scattered elements. Trust the natural beauty of the ingredients—they don't need help being gorgeous.
03 -
  • Toast your own nuts instead of buying pre-toasted—it takes five minutes, costs less, and tastes dramatically better. Spread them on a sheet pan at 350°F and check them after three minutes. Your nose will tell you when they're ready. The warm, fragrant smell is not negotiable.
  • Chill your goat cheese rounds for at least thirty minutes before arranging so they hold their shape. Some people use an ice cream scoop to create perfect spheres—I've done this, and the visual perfection is worth the extra step if you're feeling fancy.
  • Arrange everything on the platter no more than two hours before serving. Berries stay bright, herbs stay perky, and cheeses stay at the right temperature when you time it this way. If you must arrange it earlier, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
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