Guide to making a great antipasto platter

Antipasto Platters & Wine – The Perfect Pairing for Relaxed EntertainingThere’s something timeless and joyful about gathering around a beautifully styled antipasto platter with friends, family, and a good bottle of wine. Whether you're hosting a casual afternoon get-together, an elegant wedding in Margaret River, or a corporate sundowner in Perth, an antipasto platter is always a winner.
At Simple & Beautiful Catering, we love curating stunning platters that balance colour, flavour, and texture. Here are our favourite tips for building your own antipasto masterpiece – plus a few wine pairings to take it to the next level.

1. Choose 3–4 Great CheesesVariety is key – aim for a mix of hard, soft, and aged. Some of our go-tos include:

• Manchego – nutty and firm
  
• Blue cheese – bold and creamy
  
• Gouda – mellow and crowd-pleasing
  
• Fresh mozzarella – soft and delicate
  
• Flavoured cream cheeses – herby or spicy for a twist
  
• Good old cheddar – because who doesn’t love it?
  

2. Cured Meats Are a MustA selection of thinly sliced, high-quality meats makes the platter feel hearty and indulgent. We love:

• Spanish chorizo
  
• Prosciutto
  
• Salami
  
• Jamon
  
• Pastrami
  

Arrange them in little folds or rosettes for extra visual appeal.

3. Don’t Forget the OlivesMarinated, stuffed, black or green – olives deserve their own little corner on your platter. Visit the deli section for flavour-packed options like garlic-stuffed or chilli-infused varieties.

4. Add Dips, Pastes & PâtéA dollop of something creamy or sweet ties everything together:

• Hummus – nutty, smooth, and satisfying
  
• Quince paste – sweet and perfect with sharp cheeses
  
• Pâté – rich and indulgent with crusty bread or crackers
  
• Tapenade or sundried tomato spread – for Mediterranean flair
  

5. Dried Fruit & NutsBalance the savoury with sweet and crunch:

• Almonds, walnuts, pecans
  
• Dried apricots, figs, cranberries
  
• Scatter them around the platter to fill in gaps and add texture.
  

6. Bread & Crackers – The CarriersMake sure there's something to scoop, spread, or layer it all on:

• Water crackers & artisan crisps
  
• Turkish bread or sourdough slices
  
• Breadsticks or lavosh
  These add crunch and make it feel like a proper meal.
  

7. Fresh ExtrasAdd a burst of freshness and colour with:

• Carrot and celery sticks
  
• Cherry tomatoes
  
• Grapes or fresh berries
  

These not only lighten things up but make your platter pop visually.

8. Let’s Talk Wine Pairings 🍷A great antipasto platter deserves a great glass (or bottle). Here are some of our favourite matches:

• Sangiovese – With its bright acidity, it pairs beautifully with cured meats, hard cheeses, and olives.
  
• Tempranillo – A bold yet smooth Spanish wine, ideal for jamon, chorizo, and other robust meats.
  
• Rosé – Dry rosé cuts through the richness of cheeses and salty meats like a dream – a true warm-weather favourite.
  

Final Thought: Less Fuss, More FunAn antipasto platter is about gathering, grazing, and sharing stories – not perfection. Mix and match ingredients you love, play with presentation, and most importantly, enjoy the moment.
If you'd rather skip the shopping and slicing, Simple & Beautiful Catering offers beautifully curated grazing and antipasto platters for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and everything in between – across Perth, Busselton, Dunsborough, and the South West.
Get in touch – we’ll bring the wine, the flavour, and the good vibes.