A meat tray or party tray is a mixed platter of cold cuts which may be laid out at a buffet or party. Typically, meat trays are paired with trays of cheeses, dips, crackers, breads, fruits, and other snack foods for guests, and they are usually garnished with vegetables. Many delis make meat trays which can be stocked with custom foods for special events, and it is also possible to assemble your own meat tray, using sliced meats, cheeses.
The arrangement of a meat container is usually designed to be at least vaguely artistic, and to minimize hand contact with the food. The meats are often rolled up and spiked with toothpicks so that people can grab the toothpicks instead of touching the meat directly, for example, or tongs will be provided for lifting up desired cuts of meat. The meats may be creatively fanned, stacked, or otherwise arranged so that the tray looks attractive to people approaching it.
The meats used on a meat tray vary widely. Cured meats are commonly on offer, along with roasted meats like beef, chicken, and turkey. The tray is often lined with lettuce or other foliage in addition to waxed paper, and garnishes like vegetables cut into fantastic shapes, carrot sticks, sliced tomatoes, and shredded parsley are common; many people use garnishes to separate the different types of meat on the tray, making it easier for people to identify them. Edible flowers are also acceptable and sometimes quite pleasant garnishes.