We’ve all heard it: The parent at the next table demanding that their kid finish the entire adult meal that was brought to them, when they should have had a meal half the size. Recently though, many restaurants have tried a different approach and called it Family Style. Essentially they put out a giant bowl of pasta that cost them squat and the family then scoops out just the right amount for each offspring. It really is food service at it’s simplest, so why not bring it home?

There are so many reasons to feed from a central platter. From the practicality of only having one serving dish to clean to the ability for each kid to choose how much they want of each course. It even teaches them not to be greedy and take only what they need. Perhaps best of all is that a big platter full of food promotes conversation at the table, rather than everyone just tucking into a pre-plated meal. In the same manner, the platter works well with guests of the adult persuasion. Simple, rustic presentation wows guests every time.

Speaking of entertaining, a big platter offers up the chance to grill all sorts of different things. Give your guests some choice, I dare you. I guarantee that a mixed grill, sliced into small portions will disappear in no time with a few guests and a few glasses of wine. Really mix it up. A few gourmet sausages. A chicken breast or two. A striploin cooked no more than medium rare seasoned with nothing more than salt, pepper and olive oil. Add in some steamed broccoli or asparagus spears with some wine vinegar and your guests will go wild. If you must have starch, how about some early harvest mini potatoes that have been blanched and finished on the grill. You can pop them in your mouth like grapes.

On the platter above, we have the simplest meal yet the kids gobbled it up. Grilled chicken sliced and dressed with a chunky BBQ sauce match up perfectly with veggies cooked in a grill basket and topped with creamy goats cheese. A simple, rustic meal that fills the tummy and makes a summer evening feel complete.