Start with the largest items: Place cheeses, bowls of dips, olives, jams, or honey around the board to create your foundation.
Add your meats: Fold or roll salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, or smoked meats and arrange them in small groups.
Choose a variety of cheeses: Try brie, cheddar, gouda, goat cheese, havarti, or blue cheese. Include different shapes and textures.
Add fresh fruit:Grapes, strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, and figs add colour and freshness.
Add dried fruit:Dried apricots, cranberries, dates, or figs provide a sweet contrast.
Fill in with crackers and bread: Add assorted crackers, sliced baguette, breadsticks, or crostini.
Add something crunchy:Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews work beautifully.
Add flavourful extras: Try olives, pickles, cornichons, mustard, honey, or fruit preserves.
Finish with a little something sweet:Dark chocolate, chocolate-covered nuts, or candied pecans make a lovely finishing touch.
Create balance: Spread items throughout the board rather than grouping everything together. Mix colours, textures, shapes, and flavours to make the board look full and inviting.
Leave some open space: A little breathing room makes the board look elegant while still allowing guests to easily pick and choose.