12 Must-Know Tips for Ordering Perfect Party Platters From Walmart - 33rd Square (2024)

Planning an upcoming celebration and need to feed a crowd? Walmart‘s deli department offers a fantastic selection of customizable and ready-made platters at wallet-friendly prices.

But to ensure your Walmart platter order goes off without a hitch, there are some important things you should keep in mind. In this detailed guide, you‘ll learn insider tips and advice for ordering platters hassle-free.

Here are the 12 must-know tips I’ll be covering:

1. Walmart’s deli selection includes something for everyone

2. Prices comparable to or better than competitors

3. Platters available in small, medium and large sizes

4. Minimum 24-hour advance order required

5. Pickup in-store only – online ordering not available

6. Select locations provide full-service catering

7. One-stop party shopping for supplies

8. Quality ingredients offered at low costs

9. Deli is one of Walmart’s most profitable departments

10. Valid ID and order form required

11. Get accurate guest count for best value

12. Order early for best selection

Let’s explore each of these tips in more detail so you know what to expect when ordering platters for your upcoming celebrations and events!

1. Walmart’s Deli Selection Includes Something For Everyone

Walmart understands that when it comes to party platters, variety is key to pleasing every palate. Their deli departments offer an extensive selection of customizable platters featuring high-quality ingredients:

Sandwich Platters – Sub-style sandwiches layered with sliced deli meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and condiments like mayo and mustard. Offered on freshly baked rolls or breads. One of their most popular options!

Pinwheel Platters – Colorful, bite-sized pinwheel wraps with meat, cheese, veggies and sauce rolled up inside. Easy to grab finger food.

Slider Platters – Silver dollar rolls stacked with ham, turkey, roast beef or other proteins and melty cheese slices.

Wing Platters – The perfect platter for sports viewing parties! Choose traditional or boneless wings with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

Chicken Tender Platters – Crispy breaded chicken tenders, great for kids and adults alike.

Meat & Cheese Platters – Elegant displays of rolled deli meats like turkey, ham and roast beef plus cubed cheeses like cheddar, Swiss and pepper jack. Usually includes crackers, nuts, and fruits.

Vegetable Crudite Platters – Fresh veggie slices like carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli and grape tomatoes, served with ranch or hummus for dipping.

Fruit Platters – Colorful arrays of bite-sized fresh fruit like melon, grapes, berries and pineapple.

Cheese Platters – Cubed cheeses, grapes, nuts, olives, jams & crackers.

Dessert Platters – An assortment of bite-sized brownies, cookies, mini cheesecakes, chocolate-dipped fruit, etc. The perfect sweet finish!

Beyond this standard selection, some locations may offer regional specialty items like shrimp platters, finger sandwiches, tortilla roll-ups, deviled eggs and more. Call your local deli counter directly to check availability for specialty platters not listed on their order form.

Pro Tip: For large groups, you can order a combination of platters to please all tastes! Or, opt for a crowd-pleasing meat and cheese board paired with a veggie tray.

2. Prices Comparable or Better Than Competitors

When it comes to party platter pricing, Walmart delivers serious savings. In fact, their prices are comparable or often lower than competitor retailers:

As you can see, Walmart‘s prices are generally $2-$5 less than grocery stores for comparable platters. These savings quickly multiply when ordering multiple platters.

And keep in mind these are starting prices – sales and rollbacks can bring costs down further! Subscribe to the weekly Walmart ads to catch the best deals on party platters.

3. Party Platters Available in Small, Medium and Large

No matter how small or large your guest list, Walmart offers party platters scaled to fit your needs:

Small Platter: Serves approximately 8 people

Medium Platter: Serves approximately 15 people

Large Platter: Serves approximately 30+ people

Pro Tip: Unsure how many people to order for? Here are some serving size estimates:

• Appetizer-only event: 8-12 pieces per person
• Dinner event: ~3 pieces per person
• Heavy appetizers/finger foods only: ~5-8 pieces per person

And don’t forget to account for bigger appetites and the tendency to over-serve just in case!

4. Minimum 24-Hour Advance Order Required

Unlike grocery store deli counters that can whip up platters day-of, Walmart requires a minimum 24-hour advance notice on party platter orders.

This ensures the deli staff has adequate time to prepare and assemble the perishable ingredients for your order.

If you know the date of your event further in advance, you can place your order several weeks ahead for peace of mind. Just be sure to pick it up within 2 days.

Pro Tip: For last-minute needs or if you forgot to order ahead, Walmart’s pre-made grab-and-go platters don’t require advance notice. But these have limited selection compared to the customizable platters.

5. Pickup In-Store Only – Online Ordering Not Available

An important note – Walmart currently does not offer online ordering or delivery for party platters. Instead, platter orders must be placed directly through your local store‘s deli counter.

You can either call the deli or visit in person – find your store‘s phone number via the store locator tool and save it for easy access when needed!

Pro Tip: Come prepared with key details like the date needed, type of platter(s), and estimated quantity you need based on your final guest count.

6. Select Locations Provide Full-Service Catering

Beyond just platters from the deli, some Walmart locations also offer complete catering services for special events like weddings, corporate events, graduations, etc.

This includes fully customizable food menus, equipment like chafing pans, serving utensils and heated food stations, plus on-site staffing to run the catered event smoothly.

Contact your local stores to inquire if full catering is offered. If so, Walmart provides a super convenient one-stop shop for all your party food needs!

7. One-Stop Party Shopping for Supplies

In addition to the delicious food, you can also shop Walmart’s everyday low prices for all your other party supplies:

• Plates, napkins, cups, cutlery

• Serving ware like platters, tiered trays, bowls

• Table decor like centerpieces, tablecloths, runners, balloons

• Drinkware like tumblers, punch bowls, mixers, ice

• Food storage like aluminum pans, foil, plastic containers

• Party furniture like folding chairs, tables, coolers

• Temperature control gear like chafing dishes, food pans

Their massive selection ensures you can outfit your entire party in one convenient trip!

8. Quality Ingredients Offered at Low Costs

What really sets Walmart’s platters apart is providing quality ingredients and generous portions without the premium price tag.

You can expect fresh deli meats like roast turkey, ham and roast beef, cubed cheeses like cheddar, Swiss and pepper jack, as well as colorful arrays of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Reviews consistently praise the freshness, presentation and budget-friendly prices. It’s a cost-effective way to feed a crowd without sacrificing taste or variety.

In fact, Walmart’s buying power gives them access to wholesale pricing that gets passed on to customers. So you can serve gourmet foods like shrimp co*cktail and prosciutto pinwheels without paying restaurant prices!

9. Deli Is One of Walmart’s Most Profitable Departments

Here’s a fun fact – Walmart’s deli department is one of its best performing and most profitable divisions, particularly the hot foods and catering segments.

In 2021, Walmart‘s food sales topped $65 billion, representing over 56% of U.S. sales. And food gross profit margins increased by 130 basis points, driven in part by fresh prepared deli foods.

This shows customers are responding very favorably to Walmart‘s stepped-up food offerings and ordering deli platters in increasing volumes.

Clearly, they’re doing something right! Walmart’s platters and catering services provide delicious food customers want at prices they love.

10. Valid ID and Order Form Required

To place your party platter order, you’ll need:

• Valid government-issued photo ID for age and identity verification

• Completed Deli Order Form

Request the order form from the deli counter or print it in advance from Walmart’s website. The form asks you to specify the exact platter types, sizes and quantities needed.

Thoroughly fill this out so your order is prepared according to your event details and food preferences. Don’t forget contact info and pickup date!

11. Get Accurate Guest Count For Best Value

To get the optimal value from your party platter order, get an accurate guest count and order as closely as possible to that number. Some tips:

• Create a tracking spreadsheet as RSVPs come in

• Follow up with stragglers 1-2 weeks pre-event to confirm

• Assume 10% over your confirmed count to be safe

It’s better to overestimate slightly than underestimate and not have enough food. But avoid over-ordering substantially more than you need, which leads to expensive waste.

Pro Tip: If you do end up with leftovers, Walmart platters keep well repurposed into easy meals, lunches, or snacks!

12. Order Early For Best Selection

During peak party seasons like the holidays, orders fill up fast at the deli counter.

To increase chances of getting your preferred date and platter selections, place your order 1-2 weeks early if possible. This helps avoid the last-minute rush.

Of course, the ready-made grab-and-go platters are an option for more last-minute needs. But these have limited pre-determined options vs. the customizable platters.

To recap, here’s a handy checklist of tips to ensure platter ordering success:

• Know your headcount – Get as accurate a guest count as possible and order accordingly

• Order early – Place order 1-2 weeks in advance or more if possible

• Call/visit deli – No online ordering, so phone or visit deli counter

• Bring ID and form – Have valid photo ID and completed order form ready

• Provide details – Specify platter types, sizes, quantities needed and pickup date

• Don’t forget supplies – Order party plates, napkins, utensils, decor etc

• Review order – Double check order receipt before leaving the store

• Pick up on time – Pick up within 2 days of placing order

• Refrigerate promptly – Store cold items in fridge within 1 hour of pickup

Chances are you’ll have leftovers even after your hungry guests feast on the platters. Avoid waste and enjoy your party platters twice by repurposing extras!

Storage Tips:

• Break down platters and store leftovers in airtight containers

• Refrigerate within 1 hour of pickup or serving

• Use within 3-5 days for best quality and food safety

Ideas for Leftovers:

• Sandwich fixings for packed lunches

• Assemble quick pasta, rice or grain bowls

• DIY appetizer trays for smaller gatherings

• Wine and cheese board for movie night in

• Toppings for easy salads, flatbreads or pizza

• Mix into egg scrambles, omelets, quiche or frittata

Walmart‘s shelves are packed with additional items to round out your complete party menu:

Beverages – Sodas, juices, bottled water, punch bowls, mixers, sparkling wines

Bakery – Breadsticks, rolls, bagels, muffins, cakes, cookies, pies

Produce – Salad greens, veggies, fruits like melons and berries

Dips & Condiments – Salsa, hummus, guacamole, dressings, spreads

Chips & Snacks – Tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, nuts, snack mixes

Hot Foods – Wings, chicken tenders, taquitos, quesadillas, fried apps

Paper Goods – Napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths, decorations, balloons

Serveware – Platters, trays, bowls, utensils, chafing dishes, beverage dispensers

One final tip – download the Walmart app to make shopping for everything else you need even more efficient! You can build your list and locate items quickly.

From mastering Walmart’s platter ordering process to serving ideas, I hope this guide gives you the information and tips you need to feel ready ordering party platters for your upcoming events!

Walmart’s selection, low prices and fresh quality make them a great catering choice. Just use this advice to ensure your order goes smoothly from start to finish.

If you have any other questions about Walmart‘s party platters not covered here, please reach out and I’m happy to help however I can! Here’s to many delicious, beautiful and budget-friendly platters from Walmart in your future.

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