Entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful, even after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a beautifully appealing grazing and charcuterie boards that is effortless and satisfying. It's great for hosting a variety of tastes as guests nibble at their own pace while you enjoy the company. Here's a couple of DASH must-haves to build your next causal event.
Charcuterie Boards: Tools and Presentation
Charcuterie boards are a centerpiece for any casual gathering. Start with a quality wooden or marble board, then layer in sliced cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments for visual appeal. Spreaders and small serving utensils not only help guests serve themselves. I recommend shopping the following boards and utensils:
I also recommend boards, spreaders and entertaining tools.
Bruschetta, Dips, and Easy Bites
Adding bruschetta and dips provides textural and flavor variety. Toasted bread with simple toppings like tomato, basil, or creamy spreads invites guests to grab a bite. Our Castravoni olives add a briny punch, while creamy dips in small bowls keep things easy and approachable.
Crackers, Nuts, and Crunch
No grazing board is complete without crackers and nuts. These items provide crunch and act as a neutral base for meats, cheeses, and spreads. Offering a variety of shapes and textures. From buttery crackers to roasted nuts it keeps guests engaged and makes the board feel abundant and curated.
Sweet Touch: Honeys, Jams and Preserves
For an elevated flavor contrast, include honeys, jams and preserves over cream cheese or paired with cheeses. Favorites like Raspberry Amaretto, Spicy Pepper Jelly, or selections from Terrapin Ridge and McEvoy Ranch provide sweet, spicy, and savory notes that complement cured meats and cheeses alike. Spread on crackers or toast points, or dollop atop a soft cheese, these preserves add a burst of flavor and color to your grazing board.
Highlighting Our Refrigerated Favorites
For the finishing touch, explore our refrigerated section, which includes standout items like Plymouth Artisan cheeses that are crafted with a legacy of traditional cheese-making techniques that date back centuries in Europe. Paired with our Buessetti meats and Castravoni olives, these selections bring premium quality and rich history to your board. Arranging a variety of colors, shapes, and textures will make your grazing board both inviting and Instagram-worthy, without requiring hours of prep.
Bringing It All Together
When creating your appetizer spread, remember that presentation matters as much as flavor. Layer items at different heights, leave space for guests to reach, and think in terms of color and contrast. Small details, like including labeled cheese markers or decorative bowls, or greenery to instantly elevate the presentation. You may prepare the board in advance (omitting the nuts and crackers), wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until guests arrive. Pop out of the fridge and add your crunchable items last. Oila! Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.