sorry for a second post...brain doesn't always work as fast as I'd like

1. how about an assorted cheese plate? add a few bland crackers for the "others"

2. put out a "deli" plate piled with meats and cheese but make it look a tad more gourmet by providing interesting small rye breads. Also, you can do some flavored butters (garlic, parsley, anchovy) on the side. Do some edible garnishes like radish and green onion "flowers" and carrot curls (email me if you don't know how to do this). those tiny tomatoes look great on this type of tray. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on everything. Maybe also provide a small crock of the ranch cheese dip mentioned in the previous post. Remember that presentation is as important as food. I.e, line a basket or plate with a napkin and put the bread into that. Do one plate with assorted cheeses on one half and tiny tomatoes on the other half. For the meat plate, ring the meat with radish flowers and carrot curls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley Put a bunch of onion flowers into the center of the platter. Stunning!!!