How to Arrange an Eid Tray Guests Remember

A good tray is not the fullest one. It is the one where every sweet can be seen and picked up without touching the next.

Four rules

• Four kinds, no more. Something with dates, something with pistachio, something crisp and something chocolate.
• Big pieces outside, small inside. Maamoul and baklava on the rim, dates and pralines towards the middle.
• Alternate the colours. Gold, green and dark brown side by side make each one look richer.
• Leave a finger's width. A little space between sections keeps sugar off the chocolate and syrup off the maamoul.

Fill the tray an hour before guests arrive, and keep a second one ready in the kitchen to swap in.