If you're looking for a relaxed yet elevated way to entertain, family-style dining puts everybody at ease. The casualness of self-serve platters creates the perfect vibe: fun, warm, and with the people at its heart.
With a meal like this you can focus on flavors and colors without having to plate different courses—and fewer dishes to wash is always a bonus. Follow our recipes for inspiration, or find your own way to spin it, keeping in mind that there should be a unifying theme, something familiar, so everyone can take just as much as they want, and choose their own adventure. In summer, when we want to keep the heat out of the kitchen, one main course dish can be the solution to creating a memorable gathering—and keeping your cool.
Grilled Vegetable Agrodolce
A sophisticated antipasto platter can be so good that it becomes the main attraction, or you can follow it with a simple pasta or a large salad. Here, a flavorful marinade allows you to prepare seasonal vegetables ahead of time and focus on making a lovely array of sliced meats and cheeses just before guests arrive.
Smoky Clams and Fregola
Similar to a crab or shrimp boil, but with clams and sausage, this brothy bowlful is just as fun to eat. Place small bowls for the empty clam shells on the table beside the plates. Instead of using the tiny pasta shape called fregola, another small pasta such as orzo or ditalini can be used—or simply add more corn to the pot.
Bacon-Lobster-Tomato Sandwiches
Nothing says fancy like lobster, and nothing says casual like a build-your-own sandwich board. With lobster cooked and cracked ahead of time, you have the makings of a beautiful meal to enjoy by the pool or under a leafy tree.
Grilled-Salmon Salad
Summery and pretty, this main course salad works for lunch or dinner—and is even suitable for brunch. The eggs and potatoes can be prepared in advance, with all items arranged on the platter just before serving. Instead of the Niçoise-style anchovy dressing, you could substitute a mustard vinaigrette or Green Goddess dressing.
Sea Scallops Over Shallot-Herb Pasta
A lovely tangle of herbed spaghetti makes a bed for scallops and fennel just off the grill. Shallots, feathery fennel fronds and other herbs can be chopped in advance, waiting just until the pasta is cooked before finishing this dressing. Note the use of a grill basket, which helps prevent small pieces of fennel from falling through the grill grates, but is not essential.
Saffron Chicken Kebabs
Golden, grilled pieces of chicken with sweet onions and tomatoes complete the best backyard atmosphere. Guests gather around a large serving tray, tear off a piece of flatbread, and assemble their own plate, with fresh herbs and a spicy sauce. Feel free to serve with another sauce, like tahini or tzatziki, and substitute more vegetables for the chicken if your party leans vegetarian.
Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin With Grilled Apricots
Delicate tenderloin of pork cooks quickly on the grill. Then it's dressed in a make-ahead glaze with coriander and ginger. While it's resting, the remaining ingredients can be grilled. This is a satisfying platter, all it needs is to be served with some crusty bread and a green salad.
Grilled Halibut Steak With Potatoes, Olives, and Onions
Summer style, defined. It's all here on a platter: Beautiful grilled fish, vegetables, bread, olives, and salad. This meal would be perfectly good using chicken breast instead of the halibut.
Tri-Tip Steaks With Chimichurri and Garlic Aioli
This recipe is sized for a crowd. A boldly seasoned steak is marinated for several hours before grilling, then thinly sliced. The two gutsy sauces can be made in advance and passed alongside.
Grilled Beef Skewers with Zucchini and Mint
Fresh mint leaves, lime, chile, and scallion elevate this grilled sirloin platter. Start a pot of brown rice 45 minutes before grilling, and dinner will be served as soon as the steak comes off the grill.
Grilled Heritage Pork With Plums, Farro Verde, and Summer Herbs
This beautiful summer meal shows off seasonal plums and fresh herbs. A large on-the-bone roast requires a bit of planning; the pork can be salted up to 24 hours ahead of time. All the other components of the meal can be prepared while it's on the grill. A bed of grains of your choice can be used in place of the green farro.
Fruit Platter With Whipped Ricotta
Fruit for brunch or dessert can be enticing when served family-style. Elevate the usual fruit salad by poaching one of your most beautiful fruits—we used peaches here, or try figs or pears. Reach for an assortment of bright colors and serve with our homemade English cookies—alternatively buy your favorite digestives or shortbread cookies.
Pull-Apart Vanilla-Wafer Cupcake Cake with Berries
When it comes to dessert, this simple yet elegant cake makes a lovely centerpiece. Though it looks like a sheet cake, it's actually individual cupcakes, so guests can help themselves—no utensils or cutting required.