Holiday Charcuterie Boards

If you are entertaining this winter season, then you need to know how to make a shaar·koo·tr·ee board. Why, because we all need to enjoy sitting around the table connecting with one another after this year! Here are my how to tips for creating your own amazing charcuterie board whether big or small, it will make be a staple on your holiday entertaining table.

|1| Start with the holiday theme. What does that mean? If it is Thanksgiving, think of the word “gathering” and the colors of “orange, rust, brown, yellow and green.” If it is Christmas, think of the word “celebrate” and the colors of “red, green, silver, gold.” If it is Hanukkah, think of the word “festive” and the colors of “blue, white, yellow and silver.”

|2|  Now that you know the word behind the holiday and the colors, plan your charcuterie board! Always, have a soft, spread and hard cheese as well as a mild and spicy meat. But, when it comes to picking out your accompaniments I like to pick from the holiday.

For Thanksgiving things like orange cherry tomatoes, carrots, dried apricots, bell peppers, cashews as well as fruit and mustard spread.

For Christmas things like red cherry tomatoes, cherries, snap peas, green apples, candied walnuts as well as fruit and mint jelly spread.

For Hanukkah things like yellow bell peppers, squash, cauliflower, blueberries, salted almonds, as well as fruit and mint jelly spread.

|3| Then have fun with displaying your board! You really can’t mess up how you layout it out. I prefer to start with larger items on the sides and middle, then fill in with smaller ingredients. Also, I like to add paper cocktail napkins on top of the board for color & patterns, small cups & bowls as well as some dessert items! Just like chocolates, mini caramels or cookies. We all LOVE a sweet & savory moment.

Remember, as the hostess, of your holiday gathering creating an intentional food experience makes your time together even better. Here is my vendor rundown: Catering by Pan & Cake Catering. Photo Credit: Wright Photographs