Building Your Board
Create a statement and wow guests with a beautiful tablescape of delicious wine, cheese and charcuterie. Enjoy these quick tips and ideas on types of cheese, charcuterie and accompaniments to offer. Most importantly, have fun and be adventurous when setting your party table.
BE ADVENTUROUS
In addition to offering the safer choices, include a few unknown cheeses and charcuterie to broaden your guests' horizons
MIX & MATCH
Individual platters may feature similar items, such as hard cheeses or sausages, or feature recommended pairings to help guide guests. Place accompaniments next to items they pair well with, thus providing guidance to your guests.
VARIETY
Offer 3-4 different types of wine, cheese and charcuterie that vary in flavor, allowing guests to explore and discover their favorites.
COLOR & TEXTURE
Select food items that vary in texture, from the firm sausages to the smoother pâté to the crusty breads. Create visual appeal by grouping items so that they contrast in color.
FLAVORS
Offer a range of flavors, including smoky, spicy, salty, sweet, and tart, allowing guests to mix and match combinations.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Avoid crowding strong cheeses and charcuterie together so the flavors don't mix. Offer different glasses for red and white wines, so that guests may try different types without blending varietals.
Bread & Crackers
Simple, crusty breads and plain crackers are the best choice. Avoid flavored crackers and breads that may overpower or compete with the wine, cheese and charcuterie.
Fruit
Fresh fruits like pears, apples, grapes, figs, oranges, melons, and pomegranate make great pairings. Add dried fruit to your platter for a wider range of flavor. Use the fruit to enjoy with your cheese and charcuterie, and help identify notes and flavors of the wine.
Olives & Pickled Items
Include a variety of black and green olives, washed of their brine and dressed as is customary for their particular type and region of origin. Pickled fruit and vegetables offer a tangy flavor that helps cut through the richness of the meat.
Nuts
Toasted and raw almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are a fantastic addition to your plate, as they help bring out the notes in the cheeses and charcuterie.
Chutneys & Condiments
The sweetness of chutneys and fruit spreads helps to contrast the tangy and salty flavor of the cheese and charcuterie. Mustard makes an excellent pairing with charcuterie.
Honey
The complex flavors of honey make it a fantastic accompaniment for many cheeses.