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Crafting a holiday cheese board will take a little more effort than just buying a platter from the store, but your guests will appreciate the extra attention to detail. Life isn’t about making everything perfect, but the festive season is the time to do a little more for the people you love. From crackers to salami to fruit, see how to make a board that’s as tantalizing as it looks.<\/p>\n
PICKING THE BOARD<\/strong><\/p>\n Cheese looks great on a heavy wooden cheese board, which is why it’s the most common choice for entertainers. The food can be artfully arranged, and the board will be sturdy enough to hold a substantial amount of appetizers. If you want to do something a little more unusual, try natural stone for a base. Quartz, granite, or marble can all add an extra touch of class to the party. You can also look for boards designed with designated places for the serving utensils for a better presentation.<\/p>\n STACKING IT ALL UP<\/strong><\/p>\n Start with several different types of cheese, including both soft and hard cheese. Brie, cheddar, gouda, and Parmigiano are all excellent choices because they give guests a variety of textures and flavors to choose from. Next, add meat, olives, and nuts to the board to spruce it up and add more color. You won’t go wrong with deli ham or prosciutto or thick hunks of salami. Cashews, almonds, and walnuts will also look great in the mix, and it will add another flavor dimension.<\/p>\n FINAL TOUCHES<\/strong><\/p>\n Fresh fruits in different sizes and shapes bring both texture and color to the cheeseboard. In particular, apples, grapes, and apricots will pair nicely with the salty meats and cheeses. Include water crackers or bread arranged in the middle as the perfect vessel for mixing and matching the choices. Finally, add some mustard, horseradish, or jam to the sides of the cheeseboard to brighten up the dish.<\/p>\n