Negative Space Puzzle Platter (Printable)

Artfully arranged cheeses, fruits, and nuts form captivating empty shapes in a decorative platter.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheeses & Spreads

01 - 3.5 oz Brie cheese, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz Manchego cheese, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

→ Fruits

04 - 1 cup seedless red grapes
05 - 1 cup strawberries, halved
06 - 1 kiwi, sliced
07 - 1/2 cup blueberries

→ Savory Accompaniments

08 - 12 thin crackers
09 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
10 - 1/4 cup green olives, pitted

→ Garnishes

11 - Fresh mint leaves for decoration
12 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Select a negative space design such as a star, letter, or custom motif and lightly sketch it on parchment paper sized to your serving platter.
02 - Position the parchment paper onto the serving platter to serve as a placement guide.
03 - Place cheeses and crackers in grouped clusters around the outlined design, ensuring the negative space remains clear and defined.
04 - Fill the remaining gaps with grape clusters, sliced strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries, carefully preserving the negative shape.
05 - Scatter roasted almonds and pitted green olives in small piles to provide contrast in texture and color.
06 - Carefully lift and remove the parchment paper to reveal the crisp, clean negative space design.
07 - Decorate the platter with fresh mint leaves and optional edible flowers for a vibrant presentation.
08 - Present immediately, inviting guests to admire the artistic arrangement before indulging.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the easiest way to look like a designer without any formal training—just let the empty space do the work for you.
  • Your guests will talk about this platter long after the last grape is gone, guaranteed.
  • You get to play with color and texture in ways that make even simple ingredients feel luxurious.
02 -
  • Remove your parchment guide at the very last moment—moisture from fruits and the weight of ingredients can start shifting things within just a few minutes, so timing matters more than you'd think.
  • Cut all your fruit maybe an hour before serving maximum, otherwise the strawberries start to weep and the kiwi oxidizes to an unattractive brown, ruining your color story.
03 -
  • Create a template by cutting your desired shape from sturdy cardboard if sketching on parchment feels uncertain—this ensures your design stays crisp and clean every single time.
  • Practice your arrangement with dried fruits and nuts first if you're worried about timing, so you know exactly where each item lives before the fresh elements get involved and start to deteriorate.
Go Back