For the first time in my life, I designed a charcuterie board.
The funny thing is, I didn’t even use a wooden board! My wooden one had become discoloured and didn’t feel suitable, so I used one of my old white plates instead. And honestly, it worked beautifully.
This board was designed for a very special occasion — our baby boy’s first birthday.
I love cheese, and so does my little boy, so I chose Gouda and Philadelphia milk cheese as the stars of the board.
Now comes my little confession — especially for anyone searching for a professional charcuterie arrangement. I did something completely unconventional. I added tuna and carrot spread mini sandwiches, and there was no meat at all. I know professionals might see this as a big mistake, but I truly believe this was my charcuterie board — so I allowed myself to break the rules! 😄
This wonderful space is about sharing what we do, and all I really wanted was a variety of textures and flavours.
So here’s what I added:
- Chips
- Cashews
- Grapes, apples, oranges, and kiwi
- Philadelphia milk cheese and Gouda
- My homemade mini sandwiches
- Rosemary sprigs for partitioning
- And a small candle lit in the centre
At the very end, while tasting everything, my husband said,
“Why can’t we do this once a week, darling?”
Even though it was unconventional in the traditional sense of a charcuterie board, he enjoyed it so much and honestly, so did I.
This has now become our current favourite platter, and I couldn’t be happier.
My Personal Tips for Building a Charcuterie Board
In fact, here are a few things I’ve learned — gently and joyfully:
Add something personal
Homemade food, a candle, herbs from your kitchen — these little touches make it memorable.
There are no strict rules
A charcuterie board doesn’t have to follow tradition. It should reflect your taste, your family, and the occasion.
Focus on textures
Surely, soft cheese, crunchy nuts, crispy chips, juicy fruits — texture makes everything more exciting.
Balance flavours
Sweet, salty, creamy, fresh — even simple foods feel special when balanced well.
Use what you already have
Finally, a plate, a tray, or even a baking dish can work. Presentation is about care, not perfection.
Tell me, is there anyone in this club who breaks rules in building this?
