Cheese and cracker tray ideas: three tables built around a tray, for 30 guests

A cheese and cracker tray looks best when it has company. Start with the Cheese & Sausage Tray with Crackers, $79, 120 pieces, or the Assorted Cheese Tray with Crackers, $69, 60 pieces, and add two other trays beside it. Three cold tables for 30 guests are below, from $198 to $223. For prices and piece counts on the cheese trays themselves, read our cheese tray price guide. Call (630) 553-9533.

The classic cold table, $212

For a birthday, open house or retirement party where people graze.

• 1 Cheese & Sausage Tray: $79, 120 pieces
• 1 Fresh Vegetable Crudités: $59, serves 25 to 30
• 1 Seasonal Fresh Fruit Display: $74

Total $212, $7.07 a guest at 30. The cheese and sausage tray gives each guest 4 pieces. The crudités and fruit give the table something fresh to eat between bites. The fruit display is listed as vegan and gluten-free.

The Italian table, $198

For an anniversary, engagement party or a get-together where the main course is pasta.

• 1 Cheese & Sausage Tray: $79, 120 pieces
• 1 tray Antipasto Kabobs: $74, 50 pieces
• 1 tray Bruschetta with Garlic Toast Points: $45, 60 pieces

Total $198, or $6.60 a guest at 30. That is 230 pieces, about 7.7 a guest. This one works well before a baked pasta dinner, and our pasta guide has the trays for it. Italian parties are under Italian catering.

The dressier table, $223

For a shower, a small reception or an after-the-ceremony get-together.

• 1 Assorted Cheese Tray: $69, 60 pieces
• 1 tray Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Spears: $74, 60 pieces, gluten-free
• 1 tray Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese & Party Rye: $80

Total $223, or $7.43 a guest at 30. Add Jumbo Chilled Shrimp with Zesty Cocktail Sauce, $95, 60 pieces, gluten-free, if the budget allows.

Add a sweet and a drink

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, $69, 35 to 40 count, go well beside cheese and are gluten-free. Cheesecake Squares, $59, 35 pieces, are another good partner. Soft Drinks and Bottled Water are $2.49 each, and Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade is $89 for 50 servings.

Setting up a cheese tray

• Take the tray out of the fridge 20 minutes before guests arrive, so the cheese is not stone cold.
• Put the crackers where you can refill them. The tray comes with crackers, but a busy table goes through them.
• Keep the cold trays out of the sun and away from the hot trays.
• Set small plates and napkins at the start of the table. Disposable Appetizer Plates & Napkins are $0.99 a person.

Gluten-free note

The Cheese & Sausage Tray is listed as gluten-free, yet it comes with crackers. If a guest needs gluten-free, tell us when you order and we will tell you what we can do. We handle wheat and other allergens in one kitchen, so we cannot promise a trace-free dish.

Ordering

No minimum on trays, and we need three days' notice. Pick up at the kitchen in Yorkville, or ask for a quoted delivery. When you know your count, send it on the quote page. Birthday and anniversary parties has more ideas for the whole menu.

Questions

What goes on a cheese and cracker tray?

Ours comes with cheese and crackers, and the Cheese & Sausage Tray adds sausage. We do not list the exact varieties, so ask when you order.

How many cheese trays for 30 people?

One Cheese & Sausage Tray with a second tray beside it. With 120 pieces, it covers 4 a guest at 30.

How far ahead can I pick it up?

We set the pick-up time when you order. Keep cold trays in the fridge until shortly before the party.