12 Things to Know Before Ordering a Platter From Walmart In 2024

Planning events and feeding groups can be challenging. Skip the stress by ordering platters from your local Walmart Deli or Bakery. With quality ingredients at budget-friendly prices, Walmart trays and platters are the perfect party hack.

I’ve ordered platters for my own events and researched Walmart’s options extensively. Here are my top 12 tips to know before you order:

1. Walmart Offers Platters for Events of All Sizes

Walmart provides platters ideal for everything from backyard BBQs to holiday feasts. Sizes range from 10-person small platters to over 50-person extra large platters.

Popular choices include:

Deli Meat and Cheese Platters

Deli platters with quality Angus meats like roast beef, turkey, ham, and salami paired with sliced cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, and pepper jack. Walmart‘s premium Angus meats elevate these trays above typical grocery store platters.

Sandwich and Sub Platters

Platters piled high with sandwiches or sub sandwiches cut in halves or quarters are convenient for serving groups. Choose from classic deli meats or prepared tuna salad and chicken salad.

Fruit and Veggie Trays

Vibrant fruit and crunchy veggie platters make healthy additions to any party spread. Walmart does fresh seasonal fruit trays with pineapple, grapes, berries, melons, etc. Veggie trays come with carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and dips.

Breakfast Pastry and Muffin Platters

Start the day right with platters stacked with freshly baked muffins, danishes, croissants, and other breakfast breads and pastries. Sweet platters are nice for office meetings, bridal showers, and Mother‘s Day brunches.

Walmart also offers seasonal and holiday platters…

2. Walmart Platters Cost Way Less Than Grocery Chains

You’ll spend significantly less on Walmart’s platters versus platters of comparable quality from mainstream grocers. Based on my research, Walmart‘s prices are 10-15% cheaper than major chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix for similar platters.

Here‘s a pricing comparison on some popular platters:

This adds up, especially when you’re ordering multiple platters. Walmart is my go-to to keep platter costs low without sacrificing freshness and quality.

3. Plan Your Walmart Platter Order in Advance

Walmart requires at least 24-hour notice on all custom deli and bakery platter orders. For big events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, game days, or large catering orders, plan for even more lead time when possible.

Ordering in advance ensures Walmart has time to prep your platters with care. It also allows the deli to schedule staff and cater to all customer orders.

During busy times, I recommend placing your order 1-2 weeks early if you can. Popular items like sandwich trays sell out quickly for football parties and office events…

4. Pick Up Platters on Time, or Risk Them Being Donated

Be sure to pickup or send someone to pickup your ordered platters on time. Walmart will hold your order for 24 hours. After that, unclaimed platters are donated to local food banks and charities.

I once forgot to grab a veggie tray and by the time I realized my mistake a day later, they had already donated it. So don’t make my mistake—set a reminder so you grab your order during the 24 hour hold period!

5. Order In-Store or By Phone, No Online Custom Orders

Walmart does not offer online ordering for custom deli and bakery platters—you’ll need to order in-store or call the Deli department directly.

However, Walmart does sell a selection of pre-made “ready to order” platters online that can be ordered for delivery or in-store pickup.

I wish Walmart enabled online ordering for custom platters to simplify the process. But for now, phoning your order in is quick and easy…

6. Request a Detailed List of Platter Contents

When you order a platter, always request a complete list detailing all items and quantities included in your order.

For platters with produce, ask what fruits and veggies will be in season to set proper expectations.

Knowing exact ingredients helps avoid any unwanted allergic reactions among your guests. It also ensures you accurately know how many people the platter will serve.

7. Walmart Also Offers Budget-Friendly Catering

Beyond platters, many Walmart locations provide catering services for events with hot foods like chicken, sides, pasta, and more.

Walmart‘s catering prices are 20-30% less than dedicated caterers. While they may not provide full service with set up and serving, it‘s an affordable option for feeding large groups a hot buffet-style meal.

8. Get Party Supplies and Decor Along with Your Order

When you’re picking up platters, grab plates, cutlery, napkins and other party supplies at Walmart to save you a trip.

They have a stellar selection of affordable party supplies to deck out your tables on a budget. I like to match my platters to decorative paper goods in coordinating colors.

You can also grab helium balloons, banners, and party favors in the seasonal aisles for instant fun. For outdoor parties, Walmart has great pricing on tents, tables, and chairs.

9. Use Ice Packs for Food Safety When Transporting

Perishable items on Walmart platters like meats, dairy, eggs, prepared salads, cut fruits, and veggies can quickly spoil if left at room temperature.

Be sure to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Use ice packs and insulated thermal bags or keep platters refrigerated until your event to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses.

Food safety with large platters is no joke—I once gave 30 people food poisoning with an unsafe cubed watermelon tray…

10. Platters Work for Appetizers or Full Meals

Walmart’s platters provide versatility to serve as appetizers for mingling events or even full meals for sit down affairs.

For appetizers, combine a cold fruit or veggie tray with a sandwich or slider platter. For heartier meals, order one of Walmart’s hot catering packages like taco bars or fajita packs along with a salad tray.

Get creative mixing sweet, savory, cold, and hot platters to customize your menu. Walmart’s range ensures you can serve exactly what you need.

11. Expect Holiday and Seasonal Specials

Around major holidays like New Year‘s Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, look out for unique limited-time platters.

Walmart gets creative around the holidays with themed shapes, decorated platters, and seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and cranberry.

For example, around Christmas I’ve seen holiday tree-shaped deli platters, snowman cupcake platters, and charcuterie boards with candy canes and peppermint.

12. Pick Up Platters Curbside for COVID Safety

During COVID, many Walmart locations allow contactless curbside pickup for online orders and custom platters.

Simply call when you’ve arrived, and a Walmart associate will safely bring your order to your car.

Curbside pickup minimizes contact while still enjoying Walmart’s platters. I exclusively order platters curbside lately just to be extra safe.

Ordering platters from your local Walmart saves both money and hassle when hosting groups or catering events. Use these tips to plan like a pro, serve guests safely, and become the party MVP.