Time to come out of winter hibernation and start entertaining again! Ease into it with effortless ideas that let you be a guest at your own party. While you could hire us to create and cater a stunning spread for you, following this suggested menu will allow you to prepare your gathering ahead of time and fully enjoy the festivities once the party begins.
This Mediterranean tapas menu is filled with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a variety of textures. A beautifully curated spread like this creates a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can gather, graze, and indulge. I say this all the time—people truly eat with their eyes—so crafting a table that is both delicious and visually appealing is always a win.
Jeffrey is our wine connoisseur at Marcia Selden Catering. He perfectly paired this Mediterranean tapas menu with three of Italy’s most popular wines: Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Chianti Classico Riserva. Each wine brings its own unique character, from Barolo’s ethereal structure to Brunello’s rich warmth and Chianti Classico Riserva’s lively vibrancy, making for an unforgettable tasting experience.
To create the table design, I arranged the dishes on wooden boards, ceramic bowls, and platters. I also love adding visual interest by incorporating different heights using risers such as bricks, thick wooden boards, and rustic cake stands. Layering textures with linens, like these from the new line at Smith Party Rentals in Greenwich, enhances the overall aesthetic. Bunches of fresh herbs, flowers, and whole vegetables highlighted the natural hues of these spring ingredients, creating a striking and inviting display.
When designing this table, we intentionally created a “vegetarian vibe” with an abundance of options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, ensuring there’s something for everyone. If you'd like to enhance the menu to cater to the meat lovers in your life, consider adding a charcuterie platter featuring finely sliced imported Prosciutto di Parma alongside a selection of your favorite Italian cured meats.
I also recommend including an Italian cheese board. Pecorino Toscano, served with truffle honey or fig jam, is a fantastic choice. Taleggio cheese is so yummy, with its rich creaminess, and pairs wonderfully with grilled ciabatta and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Gorgonzola Dolce, a milder and creamier blue cheese, compliments Barolo’s tannins, while Robiola is another excellent match, especially when enjoyed with great bread, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly shaved black truffles. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano is the most classic pairing for Brunello and is also an outstanding complement to Chianti Classico Riserva. Like Pecorino, it shines when served with aged balsamic or a balsamic glaze. Lastly, round out your Italian cheese board with a super delicious Fontina Val d’Aosta, which pairs beautifully with Chianti. It’s not a super strong cheese, making it a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor.
The beauty of a spread like this is that you can make it your own. Whether it’s incorporating cherished family recipes, seasonal ingredients, or personal favorites, the joy is in personalizing it to suit your style and your guests' preferences. That might mean adding a homemade dip, a beloved dish, or a favorite artisanal bread. The key is to create an experience that feels effortless yet meaningful, ensuring every bite is as memorable as the gathering itself.
This season, embrace the art of effortless entertaining with a stunning Mediterranean tapas table. Let the vibrant colors and flavors, elegant presentation, and exquisite wine pairings allow you and your guests to relax, sip, and savor a culinary journey of deliciousness they won’t soon forget.
Flowers by: Lauryn Soden, Founder and Floral Designer, Stems + Co.
Robin Selden and Jeffrey Selden are the Managing Partners of Marcia Selden Catering, along with their mother and founder of the company, Marcia Selden. For more, visit marciaselden.com
Mediterranean Tapas Menu
Rainbow of Hummus with Hand-rolled Breadsticks
Classic Hummus with Crispy Chickpeas
Beet Hummus with Shaved Parmesan & Parsley
Carrot Hummus
Cauliflower Turmeric Hummus
Mediterranean Garlic Roasted Eggplant with Grilled Flatbread
Vegetable Crudité with Lemon Tarragon Dip
Marinated & Grilled Vegetables with Tahini
Flakey Spanakopita
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Falafel with Orange Tahini Honey Sauce
Burrata with Moroccan Beets, Lemon, Sumac, Watercress & Crispy Sunchoke Chips