Cheese and charcuterie are the standard no-fuss platters for easy entertaining; however, they really have become somewhat predictable. Enter pickles: Bright and briny, the variety of pickled and fermented items available at grocery stores or markets make for an exciting platter. Standard dills, olives and pickled beets are delicious, or perhaps you even have your own homemade or homegrown pickles to show off. Try enhancing your platter with a few fiery items, too, like spicy green beans, asparagus or kimchi, or you might consider grabbing some pickled eggs to give new life to your standard devilled egg recipe.
To round out your pickles, add one choice of creamy cheese—think Havarti or double brie—and an offering of cured meat like capicollo. Add a few crostini and a side of grainy mustard, and you have a platter that is both unique and delicious.