i totally forgot about this, I have not seen a relish tray at a party since I was a girl (and now that I think about it, it makes sense with things like vodka or other strong pre-dinner drinks). I suspect that it might have fallen away when wine became more popular and cocktails took a back seat. But I love the idea--it's less heavy and less work than appetizers. sometimes italian stores have those tiny little white--are they anchovies? Sardines? they sound like they would be delicious with cornichons, Marconi almonds. Also spicy olive mix. yum.

during pandemic you could do chinese soup spoon versions--so a couple items in each spoon, although you would need a bunch of spoons.

I don’t see how to have a relish tray during the pandemic, though. Too much shared food. Right? What am I missing? I love the relish tray!

Anonymous wrote:I'm not wasting stomach real estate on a relish tray.

This. I like the idea but have never done it. When does the relish tray come out? Lunch? As an appetizer seems like it spoils appetite for main meal??

Anonymous wrote:My New England MIL always puts out a relish tray in a crystal dish on the Thanksgiving table (just celery and black olives). It always goes untouched, but I sense it is a meaningful tradition to her.

I really appreciate how kind and empathetic this comment is. My MIL does too, and no one touches it. I had no idea that this was a “thing.”

I was too young to appreciate my Nana’s relish tray. Pickles help with digestion. I wish my olive pickled veg joy had begun much earlier, her table was always so beautiful.

Anonymous wrote:My New England MIL always puts out a relish tray in a crystal dish on the Thanksgiving table (just celery and black olives). It always goes untouched, but I sense it is a meaningful tradition to her.

I grew up with a crystal dish, celery and green olives. Must be a thing.

Along with the oyster dressing!

My New England MIL always puts out a relish tray in a crystal dish on the Thanksgiving table (just celery and black olives). It always goes untouched, but I sense it is a meaningful tradition to her.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ours is:

black olives
green olives
celery
sweet and spicy pickled carrots
pickled beets
pickled cauliflower
cornichons

We also have spiced peaches, which I don't think most people have heard of, but they are AMAZING!

Both of these are really yummy! We don't have them but they would be great additions to our relish tray!

Love the idea of spiced peaches. 🍑 I would eat that with cheese.

Italian, my mother makes an antipasti tray, similar but a bit varied. Olives, of several types, yes..also mozzarella balls, prosciutto on breadsticks, red peppers, several cheeses (provolone, chunks of pecorino romano) stuffed mushrooms, salami, sliced tomato, deviled eggs

So glad to see this thread back in action.

LONG LIVE THE RELISH TRAY!

I just read this week about a mix of green olives, marconi almonds and manchego cheese cubes mixed together. Great addition for this thread.

Pickled garlic is amazing

Anonymous wrote:Ours is:

black olives
green olives
celery
sweet and spicy pickled carrots
pickled beets
pickled cauliflower
cornichons

We also have spiced peaches, which I don't think most people have heard of, but they are AMAZING!

Both of these are really yummy! We don't have them but they would be great additions to our relish tray!

Anonymous wrote:No, but there’s a pecan-bacon cheese ball in my freezer right now that several people already called to ensure.

Ooh - what’s the main cheese?