Charcuterie boards have become the ultimate centerpiece for gatherings. When done right, a charcuterie board is both the decoration of the table and the main attraction, inviting your guests to eat, mingle, and enjoy. Making charcuterie boards are also so fun, they are one of my favorite things to make for get togethers.
These boards combine textures, colors, and flavors into something beautiful and delicious, and the best part is you can customize them for any holiday or event.
Whether you like sharp cheeses and cured meats, or you like to create themed boards with fresh fruit, nuts, and sweet treats, there are endless ways to bring your board ideas to life.
Where to Buy Charcuterie Boards
You can purchase a pre-made charcuterie board to display your yummy treats on, or you can buy a wood plank at a store and do it yourself, which is what I did.
It was a lot of effort, but I bought a long, pine plank, painted chalkboard paint around the edges so I could write down what items were displayed on the board (like what types of cheese, etc) and then placed my food in the centre.
Here are some ideas of where to purchase a charcuterie board from depending on the size and how versatile you would like it (which is best so you can use it for every occasion!)
(I especially love the personalized charcuterie boards with family names on them! Check them out below):
1. Personalized Charcuterie Board
Handmade by Robbie and Kylie in Reno, Nevada, these charcuterie boards are gorgeous, are well-priced and feature your family name! These are so beautiful!!
2. Charcuterie Boards on Amazon
There are some great choices if you need a quick delivery of a charcuterie board on Amazon. Options with chalk board areas, with slide-out cheese knives and more. Highly recommend checking out these options here.
Now let's get into some charcuterie board ideas!
Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas
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Christmas gatherings call for festive colors, holiday flavors, and a board that feels both cozy and cheerful. These are some really great charcuterie board ideas for Christmas.
Christmas Tree Design
One of the most creative ways to serve your board is by shaping your ingredients into a Christmas tree! Use green grapes, fresh sprigs of rosemary (my favorite way to add some charm to a board), some cheddar cheese cubes, and salami slices layered in different shapes to form the tree.
Top it with a star-shaped piece of brie or another cheese and tuck in some more sprigs of fresh herbs for a natural garnish, or even cedar tree sprigs around it to bring that wintery feel and beautiful fresh smell. Add candy canes or fairy lights on the sides for a sweet surprise.
Sweet and Savory Balance
Christmas is the perfect excuse to mix savory meats with sweet additions. Pair prosciutto with apples, brie with honey, or small bowls of dark chocolate and chocolate chips. Add crackers around the edges so your guests can build their own perfect bites.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
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Thanksgiving boards shine when they highlight seasonal harvest flavors and comforting textures.
Warm Autumn Flavors
Think roasted nuts, dried fruit, purple grapes and slices of sharp, orange cheeses. Apples (fresh or dried!), figs and dates, and fresh berries add color, while cured meats like chorizo or salami bring heartiness.
Put some small bowls with different mustards, hummus or spreads to draw some color it.
I often use my dehydrated apples and other fruit from my own trees, and they make a delicious addition that feels homemade (dehydrated Italian plums are a really beautiful color for these boards!) Also can add some mini white or orange pumpkins or fake leaves for that fall appeal.
Read about the Best Dehydrators for Fruit!
Rustic Presentation
Arrange your board on a large wooden cutting board for that farm-to-table look. Add accompaniments like cream cheese spreads, green olives, and fresh vegetables such as carrots and celery.
Edible flowers or sprigs of rosemary make simple but beautiful garnishes.
See the wooden cutting boards you can use for charcuterie boards!
Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board Ideas
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Valentine’s Day is all about romance, and a charcuterie board can be a beautiful way to share a meal with someone special.
Sweet Treats
A Valentine’s board is the place for sweet snacks. Think dark chocolate squares, strawberries, whipped cream or cream cheese, and heart-shaped cheese cubes.
Fresh berries and grapes tie it all together with vibrant color. If you have Boursin cheese where you are, there is a cranberry flavored one that is heavenly. Top with pomegranate berries/seeds as well for pops of lovely color.
Romantic Flavors
Goat cheese drizzled with honey, soft cheese paired with fresh herbs, and prosciutto-wrapped veggies create a mix of flavors that feel indulgent but still balanced.
Easter Charcuterie Board Ideas
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Easter boards should feel fresh, bright, spring-like and be family-friendly. Things bright greens, warm buns or breads, and cream cheese accents.
Spring Freshness
Add fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and berries alongside soft cheese and hard cheeses. Fresh vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers bring in seasonal color. I love using fresh herbs from the garden or grocery store for Easter boards, since they add both aroma and beauty.
Fun for Kids
For family gatherings, create small grazing tables with snacks like cheese cubes, gluten free crackers, and sweet extras like pastel-colored candies. This way, kids can enjoy the fun of choosing their favorites while still eating good food.
Breakfast Charcuterie Board Ideas
Shop for Breakfast Charcuterie Board Groceries on Amazon Here
Charcuterie boards aren’t just for dinner or parties. A breakfast board can be a super easy way to serve family or friends! Think bagels, pancakes and berries!!!
Morning Favorites
Think mini bagels with cream cheese, brie, fresh fruit, and berries. Add nuts, granola, and even yogurt served in small bowls for variety.
For a sweet element, sprinkle in dark chocolate chunks or drizzle honey over goat cheese. You can even add sliced smoked salmon, fresh sprigs of dill and capers if you want some pops of color and something a little fancy!
Make it Fun
Create different shapes with waffles or pancakes cut into hearts or circles. Add accompaniments like whipped cream, strawberries, and apples to have some sweet and healthy elements.
Tips for Creating a Beautiful Charcuterie Board
- Use odd numbers of cheeses and meats for a balanced look.
- Add crackers in different shapes for variety.
- Can try to dry your own flowers for an impressive touch!
- Layer textures: soft cheese, hard cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruit.
- Always consider dietary restrictions, offering gluten free or vegetarian snacks when possible.
- Use plastic wrap if prepping ahead to keep everything fresh.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Charcuterie boards can be the decoration and main feature of your table.
- Each holiday can inspire its own theme: Christmas tree shapes, Thanksgiving harvest flavors, romantic Valentine’s Day sweets, Easter freshness, and even breakfast trays.
- Balance is key: combine cheeses, cured meats, fruits, veggies, nuts, and sweet elements.
- Presentation matters: cutting boards, fresh herbs, and edible flowers elevate the look.
- Don’t forget dietary restrictions and easy-to-grab snacks for guests of all ages.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What should be on a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board typically includes a mix of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fresh fruit, nuts, and accompaniments like olives or spreads. Adding sweet elements such as dark chocolate or dried fruit makes it even more appealing.
How do you make a simple charcuterie board?
To create a super easy board, start with a cutting board, add crackers, two or three cheeses, a couple of meats like prosciutto and salami, and fill in the spaces with apples, grapes, and nuts.
How long can a charcuterie board sit out?
A charcuterie board can safely sit out for up to two hours at room temperature. If preparing ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
What cheese is best for charcuterie boards?
Cheese boards shine with a mix of soft cheese, goat cheese, brie, sharp cheeses, and hard cheeses. The variety makes it fun for your guests to create their own combinations.
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