Peppermint Stripe Celebration

I discovered the magic of striped platters at a holiday party where a friend arranged alternating rows of red and white on a board, and the moment I saw it, I was transported back to childhood—unwrapping peppermint candies with that same bold, joyful pattern. That night, watching guests light up as they approached the table, I realized it wasn't just about the flavors; it was about creating something that made people smile before they even took a bite. Now, every December, I recreate that feeling with my own Peppermint Stripe Celebration platter, and it's become the centerpiece that gets people talking the moment they walk through the door.

I remember my aunt gasping when she saw this platter at our family gathering two years ago—she literally said it looked too pretty to eat. Of course, we all dove in anyway, and what I loved most was watching different generations reach for different elements, everyone finding something they loved within those red and white stripes. That's when I knew this platter wasn't just food; it was a conversation starter, a memory maker, and proof that presentation can be just as important as taste.

Ingredients

• Fresh mozzarella balls (200 g): These creamy, delicate spheres are your base white element—they stay soft and pillowy at room temperature, which is why they're perfect for this. Look for ciliegine or bocconcini at Italian delis or specialty shops; they're so much better than the rubbery alternatives.
• White cheddar cheese, sliced (200 g): Sliced white cheddar gives you a different texture and firmness compared to the soft mozzarella—layer them for visual and textural depth. Buy it from the deli counter and ask them to slice it thin enough to drape gracefully.
• Havarti cheese, sliced (200 g): This Danish semi-soft cheese is buttery and mild, adding richness without competing with other flavors. It's my secret ingredient because it's creamy enough to look luxurious but sturdy enough not to melt into itself.
• Sliced strawberries (150 g): Fresh strawberries are your brightest red and sweetest element—slice them just before plating so they stay perky. This is where quality matters; buy the ripest, most fragrant ones you can find.
• Raspberries (150 g): These jewel-like berries add delicate texture and a subtle tartness that balances the creamy cheeses. Handle them gently; they bruise easily and that's when they lose their magic.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (100 g): These bring a savory, slightly tangy element to the sweet fruit rows—they're what make this platter feel sophisticated rather than dessert-like. Split them just before serving so they don't weep.
• Roasted red bell peppers, sliced (100 g): Buy these jarred from the deli section, or roast your own if you have the time. They're silky, sweet, and add a sophisticated depth that raw peppers can't match.
• Salami, thinly sliced (150 g): Ask the butcher to slice it thin—it's what you'll roll into roses for visual drama. Good salami should smell spicy and complex, never sharp or off.
• Prosciutto (100 g): Paper-thin prosciutto adds elegance and a salty, savory counterpoint to the fruit. Treat it gently; it tears if you look at it wrong, but that rusticity is actually charming.
• Water crackers (150 g): These plain, crisp crackers let the toppings shine without competing flavors. They're sturdier than delicate crackers, so they won't get soggy under the weight of cheese and meat.
• Baguette slices (100 g): Thin slices of baguette provide structure and a little toasted crunch. Toast them lightly if you want them to stay crisp longer, but fresh bread works too.
• Fresh mint leaves: This is your visual anchor to the peppermint theme—scattered throughout, they add brightness and that festive touch. Pick tender leaves from the top of the stems; they're more delicate.
• Microgreens or edible flowers (optional): These are the final flourish, the garnish that says you took time with this. They catch the light and make everything look more intentional and beautiful.

Instructions

Gather your platter and lay out your battlefield:

Choose a large rectangular platter or round board—something at least 16 inches wide so you have room to work. Place it on your counter in good light so you can really see the colors as you build. Take a breath; you're about to create something beautiful.

Start with your first white stripe:

Beginning at one edge, arrange your first row of white. Lay down mozzarella balls in a tight line, or overlap slices of white cheddar like shingles on a roof. This first stripe sets the visual rhythm for everything that comes after, so take a moment to make it look intentional. The slight imperfections are what make it look homemade and charming.

Add your first punch of red:

Next to your white row, place your first red element—maybe sliced strawberries arranged slightly overlapping, or a line of raspberries nestled close together. The contrast between white and red should feel bold and clear, like a peppermint stripe. Step back and look at the colors side by side; this is where the magic starts to feel real.

Continue the alternating pattern with intention:

Keep building your rows, alternating between white and red elements. Use different cheeses in the white rows to vary the texture—follow mozzarella with cheddar, then Havarti. In the red rows, mix strawberries, raspberries, halved tomatoes, and roasted peppers so no two red rows look identical. This variety is what keeps the eye engaged as people scan the platter.

Weave in crackers and bread for texture:

Every third or fourth row, insert a stripe of water crackers or toasted baguette slices. These add crunch and give people a vehicle for eating the cheese and meats. They also help anchor the other elements so nothing slides around. Think of them as the structure that holds your edible art together.

Create dramatic rose details with salami:

Take a slice of thinly sliced salami and gently roll it into a rose shape, tucking it into itself loosely so it stays open and looks full. Tuck these rolls into your red stripes, spacing them so they become focal points. This little touch is what makes guests lean in and go, 'Oh, that's fancy.'

Scatter your mint garnish like you mean it:

Pluck fresh mint leaves and scatter them across the platter, both as a final garnish and as a visual nod to the peppermint theme. Nestle them between other elements, let some rest on the white cheeses where they'll pop visually. The green against red and white is exactly what ties the whole concept together.

Add the final flourish and keep it cool:

If using microgreens or edible flowers, sprinkle them across the platter in a few strategic spots—you want them visible but not covering everything. Cover loosely with plastic wrap if not serving immediately, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. The cold will keep everything crisp and bright.

Save

I'll never forget the moment my 10-year-old daughter pointed at this platter and said, 'Mom, it looks like Christmas in food form.' That's when I realized this recipe isn't really about impressing people with technique; it's about creating something that sparks joy the moment someone sees it. Every stripe, every carefully placed mint leaf, every little salami rose—it's all an expression of care and celebration.

Playing with Color Beyond Red and White

While the peppermint red-and-white theme is stunning, I've played with this concept for other holidays and seasons. In summer, I've done green and white with cucumber ribbons, white cheeses, and fresh herbs. At Thanksgiving, I've built golden and burgundy with roasted beets, squash, and aged cheeses. The magic isn't in the specific colors; it's in the bold, organized contrast. Once you understand the striping concept, you can make this platter reflect any season, any occasion, any mood. The technique stays the same; only the palette changes.

Making It Work for Every Diet

This platter is naturally flexible because each element can be swapped out without changing the concept. Remove the meats, double up on cheeses and add marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas for vegetarians. Replace the fruit rows with roasted vegetables—think beets, purple carrots, asparagus tips—for a completely savory version that still holds the striped beauty. I've even made a vegan version using cashew cheese (it's creamy and slices beautifully) and hummus. The point is that the structure and visual concept work regardless of dietary restrictions, which makes this platter something you can make for literally anyone.

The Pairing Sweet Spot

The beauty of this platter is that it pairs with almost any occasion and any drink. I serve it with sparkling wine or champagne for celebrations, cranberry spritz for a festive non-alcoholic option, or even light, crisp white wine if people want something still and elegant. The sweet fruit, creamy cheese, and salty meat create a balance that works with almost any beverage. For a holiday party, I've found that people often graze on this platter while holding a glass of something festive, and somehow it all works together. The key is not thinking of it as a single dish but as a collection of small moments and flavors that come together to create something bigger than any one ingredient.

• Chill your platter for 30 minutes before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
• Keep a small damp towel nearby while assembling so you can quickly wipe your fingers between handling different elements—it keeps everything looking pristine.
• If you're transporting this platter, keep it on a flat surface and cover it gently with plastic wrap secured with toothpicks so nothing shifts during the drive.

Save

This platter is proof that the most impressive dishes don't need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients—they just need intention, bold colors, and a willingness to create something beautiful. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that feeding people is really about making them feel seen and celebrated.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

→ How do I create the peppermint stripe effect?

Arrange alternating rows of white cheeses and red ingredients like strawberries and roasted peppers in clear stripes to mimic peppermint patterns.

→ What are good vegetarian alternatives for the meats?

Omit meats and add extra cheeses, marinated tofu, or red bell pepper hummus to maintain flavor and texture balance.

→ Can this platter be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate covered for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What cheese varieties work best for this platter?

Fresh mozzarella balls, white cheddar, and Havarti provide creamy textures and contrast in color for the white layers.

→ How can this platter be adapted for dessert?

Replace cheeses and meats with marshmallows, white and red candies, and white chocolate pieces to echo the festive look with sweet ingredients.