‘Tis the season for CHARCUTERIE BOARDS! Here are Everline Art, we are a big fan of holiday parties and gatherings. So we’ve curated a list of the yummiest, most creative charcuterie board ideas for the holidays. These edible masterpieces have evolved beyond mere appetizers; they are a feast for the eyes and the palate. We’ve got inspiration for boards of all kinds – holiday themes, budget-friendly, low skill, unique themes, and more.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
Charcuterie is a French term for a branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products.
Charcuterie boards typically consist of an array of:
- Cold artisan or deli meats
- Gourmet cheeses
- Bread and crackers
- Nuts, herbs, fruits, and glazes
All you have to do is select your favorite selection of meats, cheeses, breads/crackers, and garnishes – and display them in a curated way on a large board. And voila! A charcuterie board that will please all of your guests.
Although charcuterie showcases meat, charcuterie boards have definitely evolved throughout the years. They’re prepared these days with a variety of fruits, nuts, treats, and dips, alongside the meats. If a board does not have meat, it is technically not a charcuterie board.
Disclaimer: There may be some boards we share that aren’t technically charcuterie boards by definition, but they still deserve attention nonetheless.
Related Post: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: 31 Of The Best Cozy Gift Ideas For Homebodies
Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas
Merry, Meaty Christmas! Embrace the festive spirit with charcuterie boards that capture the essence of Christmas. We all love a charcuterie board adorned with crimson cranberries, creamy Brie, and glistening prosciutto, all nestled together, as if they’re cuddling. Here a few ways to level-up your charcuterie board so they are the gift that your guests will come back to over and over throughout the night.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board Idea
Cut your cheese slices in sharp triangles and form a Christmas tree, then add in artisan meats, fruits, nuts – and don’t forget the star at the top!
Herb Wreath Charcuterie Board Idea
This board focuses on the herbs, like rosemary and sage, displayed like an elegant wreath. Then place your selection of meats and cheeses on top of the fresh herbs and it’s appealing to your eyes and your tastebuds.
Colorful Wreath Charcuterie Board Idea
Turn your spread into a colorful wreath by adding red berries and blueberries.
Hanukkah Charcuterie Board Ideas
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a charcuterie board that shines just as bright! After the gathering of lighting the day’s candle, serve family and friends a festive board with sweet treats, or a savory board, complete with latke and traditional toppings and sides.
Hanakkuh Charcuterie Board Idea
Amongst the tradition elements, add in latkes, chocolate gold coins, and dreidel-shaped cookies.
Star Cheese Charcuterie Board Idea
This board is all about the cheese stars – you can never have enough!
Latke Charcuterie Board Idea
This savory board features latkes that can be dipped, topped, and garnished with yummy traditional flavors.
New Year’s Charcuterie Board Ideas
Happy 2024! Ring in the New Year with a charcuterie board that sparkles with elegance and decadence. A New Year’s celebration means glamour – so incorporate luxurious elements like truffle-infused cheeses, champagne-soaked grapes, and prosciutto-wrapped figs. Add a touch of gold with honeycomb and edible gold leaf, creating a board that symbolizes opulence and sets the stage for a year filled with glamorous delights!
Countdown To Midnight Charcuterie Board Idea
This board has all the glitz! Mini disco balls, gold treats, mini bottles of champagne, shrimp cocktails, and of course, Ferrero Rocher!
Glamorous Seafood And Caviar Charcuterie Board Idea
Nothing says glamour like caviar. Include some tinned fish, oysters, and roasted garlic, and you’ve got a top-tier charcuterie board that will not be forgotten.
Charcuterie Boards For All Budgets & Skills
Charcuterie boards don’t always need to be extravagant; they can be crafted on any budget and skill level. The great news is that you can make stunning boards, no matter your budget or skill set.
Gas Station Charcuterie Board Idea
Running out of time and spare dollars? Run to the gas station! You can get all these items at a gas station and make a surprisingly delicious looking board! All you need are chocolate covered pretzels, apples, crackers, cheez-its, beef jerky, cubed cheese (or string cheese), and roasted peanuts. No one will ever know…
Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board Idea
If you have a little more time and a little higher budget, you can create an elegant board for around $35 from Trader Joe’s! This board includes fresh produce, rosemary, fig & olive crackers, marinated olives, and the cheeses: ‘Unexpected Cheddar, Boursin, and goat milk Brie.
Pre-made Charcuterie Board Box Idea
Have a higher budget (around $250) but no time to spare (or don’t want to fuss making fancy salami roses)? You can order beautiful pre-made boards/boxes from Williams-Sonoma. It comes complete with the elaborate display (shipped chilled) and all the bamboo forks, spreader, and tongs.
Elaborate Grazing Table Idea
Want a charcuterie board x 100? How about a grazing table? Grazing tables are becoming quite the trend for weddings, but you can easily create a grazing table of your own at your holiday party. All you need to do is quadruple your shopping list and your budget, and you can have a beautiful display like this. If you want to hire someone to create a grazing table for you, they can cost between $1,000-$6,000.
Charcuterie Boards With a Twist
Elevate your charcuterie experience with boards that boast unexpected and delightful twists. These boards could be considered charcuterie boards – but they all have something that sets them a part. If you have a unique party idea, consider using one of these unique charcuterie board ideas.
Rainbow Flowers Charcuterie Board Idea
Turn your board into a rainbow, complete with meat, fruit, and veggie flowers!
Single Serve ‘Jarcuterie’ Idea
If you want guests to enjoy all the elements of a charcuterie board, without pecking at a communal board, consider ‘jarcuteries.’ All you have to do is get jars or plastic cups, and fill each one with a sampling of each ingredient. This also makes it easier for guests to mingle and eat at the same time.
Individual Personalized Charcuterie Board Idea
This idea also comes with a personalized gift, perfect for those small, intimate parties. These personalized boards are multi-purpose – they can serve as their individual boards for the gathering, as well as your Christmas gifts.
Vegan-Friendly Charcuterie Board Ideas
For our vegetarian and vegan friends, delight in a charcuterie board that’s entirely plant-based. Explore the vast world of dairy-free cheeses, marinated tofu, and a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nuts, hummus, and crispy crackers add layers of texture and flavor, proving that meatless charcuterie can be just as satisfying and indulgent.
Vegan Charcuterie Board Idea
This vegan board features vegan cheeses and meats that will make sure everyone at the party is included.
Rustic Vegan Charcuterie Board Idea
This board does not have vegan cheeses or meats, only delicious dips, fruits, and vegan breads/crackers.
Rainbow Vegan Charcuterie Board Idea
I think anyone would be happy with this beautiful and delicious board – carnivores and vegans!
Not-So-Average Charcuterie Board Ideas
Tap into your creativity with a charcuterie board that breaks free from tradition. Think beyond the usual components and surprise your guests with unconventional pairings. Or boards that have a unique theme that will blow your guests away.
Yogurt Parfait ‘Charcuterie’ Board Idea
We all love our traditional charcuterie boards, but why not create a yogurt parfait board where people can create their favorite breakfast dish.
Brunch Bagels Charcuterie Board Ideas
Who wouldn’t love a brunch bagel board?! Add in all of your favorite breakfast items, like bacon, eggs, and berries. Just be aware, this board is so delicious, it may be hard for people to share!
Hot Cocoa ‘Charcuterie’ Board Idea
No meat to be seen on this board, but it’s the perfect board to wrap up the holiday party with a hot cocoa nightcap. Include sweet treats, cookies, and marshmallows. Adults and kids alike will love this board.
Illusion Cookies Charcuterie Board Idea
This board will put a smile on anyone’s face. This board looks like a treaditional charcuterie board, but it is entirely made out of sugar cookies! Does it get any cuter?!
Charcuterie Boards For the Holidays
And there you have it, a variety of charcuterie boards to please all themes, holidays, tastebuds, skills, and budgets. The thing with these boards is that there are no rules—only endless possibilities waiting to be explored. Whatever the occasion, these curated charcuterie boards are an example of the culinary artistry that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary delights. So, gather your favorite flavors, tap into your creativity, and let the charcuterie adventure begin! Happy Holidays!
