Negative Space Appetizer Platter (Print out)

A vibrant platter featuring cheeses, fruits, and nuts carefully arranged to form striking negative shapes.

# What You'll 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 - 0.5 cup blueberries

→ Savory Accompaniments

08 - 12 thin crackers
09 - 0.5 cup roasted almonds
10 - 0.25 cup pitted green olives

→ Garnishes

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Select your preferred negative space motif such as a star, letter, or custom shape, and lightly sketch it onto parchment paper sized to fit the serving platter.
02 - Place the parchment paper onto the serving platter to serve as a visual guide for arrangement.
03 - Position cheeses and crackers in clusters around the perimeter of the sketched design, making sure to leave the negative space clear and defined.
04 - Gently fill the remaining spaces with sliced fruits, grapes, and berries, preserving the shape of the negative space.
05 - Scatter roasted almonds and green olives in small piles to enhance visual interest and textural contrast.
06 - Carefully remove the parchment guide to expose the clean negative space design.
07 - Decorate the platter with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
08 - Present immediately, inviting guests to admire the composition before enjoying.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Your guests will gasp before they even taste anything—this platter is Instagram gold and conversation starter rolled into one.
  • It's a completely stress-free way to look like you spent hours planning when preparation is actually quite straightforward and forgiving.
  • You get to be both artist and chef, turning something typically functional into genuine edible art that feels personal and intentional.
02 -
  • Prep all your ingredients before you start arranging—cutting fruit just before assembly prevents browning and keeps everything looking pristine and vibrant.
  • The parchment paper is your secret weapon. Without it, you'll second-guess yourself endlessly and the negative space will blur. The paper keeps you honest and organized.
  • Don't overthink the size of your negative space. Something that occupies about 25-30 percent of your platter is the sweet spot—large enough to be dramatic but not so large that you struggle to frame it with ingredients.
03 -
  • Use a darker serving board or platter to make the colors pop—white or natural wood makes fruit and cheese look more vibrant by contrast.
  • Position your negative space slightly off-center rather than dead center; it feels more dynamic and sophisticated, more like intentional design than accident.
  • If you're nervous about your design, practice sketching it on the parchment a few times before committing. A star is actually easier than you'd think, and it always reads as impressive.
Go back