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Tips for putting together the perfect platter

<p>Entertaining loved ones can create beautiful memories but is by no means an easy feat. From considering dietary requirements, choosing what to cook, the preparation time and the final cost of the food, a simple do can turn into a stressful affair. Platters can be a great way to feed your guests whilst also showing off your food presentation skills. Here are five great tips to creating the perfect platter for entertaining.</p> <p><strong>1. Start with a centrepiece</strong></p> <p>When making your platter, decide on one key taste that can be at the centre of the platter that will compliment all the other flavours. Depending on the type of platter you are serving, your centrepiece could be anything from a cold meat, to a dip or cheese. If you want to be organised and prepare your platter ahead of time, just leave space for the chilled cheese and add it in before serving. This will avoid the last-minute panic of trying to make your platter look appealing before you serve it.</p> <p><strong>2. Don’t forget the dips</strong></p> <p>Dips and sauces not only add some variation to textures of the food but also compliment the flavours. Thick dips such as hummus, baba ghanoush and Greek yogurt dips work well as their consistency allows you to dollop them straight onto the platter.</p> <p><strong>3. Add difference textures</strong></p> <p>What separates average platters from great ones is the assortment of textures that are filling the platter. It is important to give your guests something that they can scoop into the cheese and dips that are provided. Top quality platters will have a minimum of two different types of crackers, usually one that is a bit sweeter and one that is more savory. Some platters require creativity but if you have cheese or meat on your platter, just think about what condiments will make the platter more spectacular. Jams, mustards or fruit spreads are good starting blocks to add to your spread.</p> <p><strong>4. Decorate your table</strong></p> <p>If you have gone to the effort of putting together a spectacular platter, you need to make sure the rest of the room matches the presentation of your platter. Bring out all your best table decorations such as linen table runners and placemats to reinforce the sophistication.</p> <p><strong>5. Remember to try your food</strong></p> <p>Although you might be caught up entertaining or preparing the next round of food, make sure you get to try the platter that you have ensembled so you can be your own critic.</p> <p>It is always good to add a pop of colour and fresh produce on the platter. Adding vegetables, carrot sticks and cucumber slices will provide a necessary variation in flavours and will also make your guests not feel so terrible for indulging in your delicious spread.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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US tourist in shock after being charged more than $4215 for a single kebab platter

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A US tourist got the shock of her life after realising she was charged more than $4215 for a single plate of shawarma meat at a restaurant in Jerusalem.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The restaurant owners maintain that it was an honest mistake, but according to reports from </span><em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/9870941/tourist-charged-2000-kebab-jerusalem/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Sun</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a former employee has said it’s happened before.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laura Ziff first brought the incident to light via a Facebook post asking if anyone knew the address of the restaurant.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I need help please. Can someone provide the address for a restaurant right by the Jaffa gate called “Old City Shawarma (sic)”. That is the name on the receipt that I received. Also if the restaurant possibly has a different name in Hebrew.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laura continued her story, saying that the owners had made a mistake by charging her $USD 2,900 for a single plate.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A receipt of the transaction shows that she was charged 10,100 Israeli shekel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laura said that she had been in contact with the owners, who were promising a refund to her credit card since August 12</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> but hadn’t received anything so far.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The incident went viral and was covered by local media in Egypt.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Keshet 12’s </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Morning News</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> program, someone who claimed to work for the restaurant said it wasn’t the first time it had happened to tourists, according to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Jerusalem Post</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It works like this: They don’t have a menu. They ask tourists for NIS 80 ($A33) for a shawarma platter and charge them in euros or dollars,” the former worker explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Sometimes the person notices and catches it, but sometimes he gives you the credit card and then signs. He sees 80; sometimes the word ‘dollar’ doesn’t show up. It’s crazy.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the story unfolded, Laura continued to update and said that she had been in contact with the owners.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have received phone calls and texts from the business owner Hasan and his brother Adam,” Laura wrote on Facebook.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“They both apologised that the refund had not been completed and had been trying to work with their bank. I contacted my credit card company and they provided some additional information that should assist Adam in making the refund happen very quickly.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On September 3</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">rd</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Laura had another update.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“As of this morning we spoke and he provided proof that the owners of the restaurant have contacted the bank and are in the process of refunding the money.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I absolutely believe him. I am assuming that my next post will say that the funds are in my account and the matter is closed.”</span></p>

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The easy-to-make chalkboard serving platter

<p>Serving cheese and nibbles to your grapes on a slate or chalkboard dish is all the rage right now. But you don’t have to spend big bucks on designer platters and trays to achieve this fun look. You can get creative and make your own version that is sure to be a talking point at your next barbecue or dinner party.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What you’ll need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>A porcelain platter in desired shape and size</li> <li>Porcelain chalkboard paint (available at most craft stores – check the packaging to ensure it is suitable for your surface)</li> <li>Soft paint brush</li> <li>Your oven</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to do it:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Ensure the surface you want to transform is clean and dry. If you’re not painting the whole surface, use painter’s tape to cover the areas you wish to remain as they are.</li> <li>Apply the paint using to the desired area. You can get creative with it – perhaps you’ll paint one long strip down the middle of your tray, or a thick border around the outside, or just cover the whole surface. Be careful with your brush strokes, as this paint can leave streaks.</li> <li>Apply a second (thin) coat if needed and remove the tape before the paint dries.</li> <li>Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours and then bake according to the instructions on the back of your paint bottle. When finished baking, switch your oven off and allow to cool to room temperature before removing the platter. This will ensure the surface is dishwasher and microwave safe.</li> </ol> <p>NOTE: Chalkboard paint will often warn that it should not come into contact with food, so you may wish to use small plates or napkins on top of the surface. Though the paints are usually water-based and listed as non-toxic.</p> <p><em>Image credit: RelyMe.com</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-decorated-mugs/">How to easily decorate your own mugs</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/photo-frame-shelves/">Make gorgeous shelves out of old photo frames</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/paint-terracotta-pots/">Give your terracotta pots a bright makeover</a></strong></em></span></p>

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