Supermarket grazing platter or a caterer's grazing box?

What is the main difference?

Supermarket platters are generally made in advance and sold off the shelf, so you can collect one when you shop. A caterer's box is made to order for your date. That changes freshness, flexibility and presentation, and it affects how far ahead you need to plan.

How do they compare?

These are general points. Ranges and policies differ between supermarkets, so check the details for the one you plan to use.

• Convenience: a supermarket platter can be part of an ordinary shop, with no order needed. A caterer's box needs an order, and ours needs at least 24 hours' notice.
• Freshness: our boxes are made fresh to order in our Melbourne CBD kitchen, and contents change with the season.
• Tailoring: we can tailor a box on request, including gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan and vegetarian needs. Ready-made platters are usually fixed, so ask the supermarket what it can change.
• Presentation: a caterer's box is arranged as a gift or table centrepiece. Ready-made platters are often fine for a casual get-together.
• Delivery: we deliver in a one-hour slot between 9am and 3pm, or you can pick up free from 238 Flinders Street. Supermarket arrangements vary, so check theirs.

What do Platter and Co boxes cost?

These are our real prices. The cost per person is the price divided by the top of the serves range.

• Savoury grazing box: small $75 (up to 2), medium $100 (up to 4) and large $165 (up to 6).
• Brunch grazing box: $99 for 2 to 4, with a personalised message.
• Brekky grazing box: $70 for 1 to 2.
• Sweet grazing box: $75 for 1 to 2.
• Fruit grazing box: $60 for 1 to 2.
• Delivery depends on your suburb, and pick-up is free. See the delivery and shipping policy.

When does a supermarket platter make sense?

It is a reasonable choice when you need food today, when the event is casual and nobody has special dietary needs, or when you are already shopping. It is also an easy option for a quick top-up of snacks.

There is nothing wrong with that. A bought platter plus a few extras from your own kitchen can work well for a relaxed afternoon.

When does a caterer's box make sense?

A box suits occasions where presentation, dietary needs or timing matter.

• Gifts, where the box is delivered to someone else.
• Work meetings and client visits, with a set delivery slot.
• Guests with allergies or dietary needs, where we can tailor the contents.
• Birthdays and celebrations, where you want something that looks considered.

What about bigger groups?

Boxes work well up to about 12 people. Beyond that, a grazing table is set up at your venue and can cost less than a pile of boxes. Tables need at least 5 days' notice. Savoury table prices are on the grazing table pricing page. For the difference in detail, see grazing box vs grazing table, and for numbers see how many people a grazing box feeds.

How do I order from Platter and Co?

There is no online payment. You send an order request, and we call or email to confirm it and arrange payment. Boxes need at least 24 hours' notice. If you need one sooner, call 0481 974 842 and ask.