Party trays featuring charcuterie are everywhere these days, and for good reason: they're a simple, splendid way to bring a windfall of textures and flavors to the party table without a lot of fuss. But charcuterie boards aren't the only party food trays out there. In fact, we say it just isn't a party without a cheese party tray for savory richness, a fruit tray for a little sweetness, and a veggie tray for color and crunch. And if party time crosses paths with dinnertime, we also like to include some sandwich party trays to make sure no one goes home hungry. We'll show you how each one of these party tray ideas is easy to make and can be pulled together on the cheap.

When was the last time you went to a party where a veggie tray wasn't served? Possibly … never? Indeed, a veggie tray is pretty much a must-have on the party buffet. Yet just because it's the inevitable appetizer doesn't mean it has to be boring. Check out these party veggie tray ideas for party-perfect results.

Plan on 4 to 5 dippers per guest and 2 to 3 tablespoons dip per guest. For 12 guests, plan 48 pieces (4 to 6 cups dippers) and 24 tablespoons (1½ cups) dip.

Discourage double-dipping! Put out small serving spoons and small appetizer plates to allow guests to place veggies dip onto their own individual plates.

No list of party platter ideas would be complete without a cheese tray. The options are as endless as the variety of cheeses and crackers in the world. We'll help you narrow it down so you can put together a stunning cheese plate your guests won't soon forget.

Plan on 3 to 4 ounces cheese, 4 to 5 types of crackers, and 1 tablespoon spread per guest. For 12 guests, plan on 2 to 2½ pounds of cheese, one box of crackers, and ¾ cup or 1 jar of spread.

Party food trays with fruit add instant sweetness and color to the buffet. Add a few cookies, and the fruit tray can count as dessert. Here are a few fruit tray party ideas:

Plan on ½ to 1 cup fruit, 2 to 3 tablespoons dip, and 1 cookie per guest. For 12 guests, plan 6 to 8 cups fruit, 24 tablespoons (1½ cups) dip, and 12 cookies.

If your party is going to extend into mealtime, it's a good idea to bring some sandwiches to the table. A few tricks:

Don't knock yourself out: Honestly, there's no need to make half a dozen different kinds of sandwiches—if you're serving a couple of the other trays featured here (e.g., a fruit tray, a veggie tray, a cheese party tray, and/or a charcuterie board), you'll have plenty of variety on the table. Simply set out one or two enticing sandwiches. Two of our favorite recipes for sandwich party trays include Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, sandwich pinwheels, and (for something more hearty) Balsamic Vinegar and Honey Pulled Pork Sliders.

The right cut: Be sure to cut the sandwiches into sizes that are easy to manage while mingling.

Sneaky tip—let your guests do the work: If you don't have time or energy to make sandwich party trays for the gathering, simply set out a selection of mini-buns alongside your cheese and charcuterie party trays, and let your guests build their own sandwiches. Be sure to offer a few sandwich fixings, such as mayo, sliced pickles and onions, and fancy mustards.

Charcuterie is a catchall term for cured and cooked meats. Artfully arrange such meats in luscious ribbons and tasty thin disks, alongside olives, pickles, spreads, and more, to create one of the best-loved party food trays around. Learn all about how to build the perfect charcuterie board.

Now you know what's on the menu for your next party. Indeed, homemade party platters are definitely the way to go—much of them can be assembled in advance, and they never fail to satisfy. To take this easygoing style of entertaining one step further, serve either pitcher drinks or party punches. They'll get the party off to a great start, and you'll avoid having to make all kinds of different drinks for each guest.