When family and friends gather this season, a beautifully styled charcuterie board is one of the easiest, most elegant ways to serve — and make your home feel warm, festive and ready to share. With just a few ingredients and some creative touches, you can put together a spread that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours of work. Based on inspiration from a holiday-style board by Kristy New England.

1. Choose Your “Canvas”

Start with a large board, platter or even a wooden cutting board. It becomes the foundation for your visual layout. The board featured by Kristy used a monogrammed wooden board to add a personal, festive feel.

2. Layer in Greenery and Texture

Before placing food items, add visual interest by using herbs like rosemary, pine sprigs or other greenery and arrange them in a “garland-like” design. Kristy sprinkled powdered sugar over her rosemary to mimic freshly fallen snow.

3. Pick a Variety of Cheeses & Breads

• Include several types of cheeses (soft, aged, spiced) to offer flavor variety (her board featured brie, manchego, parmigiano, cheddar, Swiss).

• Add breads and crackers: fresh baguette slices, almond-flour gluten-free crackers, pretzel rods or cheese sticks help fill out the board and complement the cheeses.

4. Add Sweet & Savory Accents

Think of contrast: dried fruits (apricots, grapes), jams, caramel corn, chocolates, marinated olives, nuts, salami and other charcuterie items. These bring richness and depth to the board.

5. Fill in Gaps and Add Festive Touches

Instead of leaving blank spaces, fill them with seasonal elements: fresh cranberries, pinecones, small ornaments or even mini fairy lights to add sparkle. These details elevate your board from “served” to festive centerpiece.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Place your board in a central area where guests can graze. Layer extra bowls or platters of complementary items nearby — think pickles, spreads or sliced apples. Let the board do much of the “wow” work, freeing you up to mingle and enjoy the season.

1. The Harvest Board — Perfect for Thanksgiving

Celebrate fall flavors with a cozy, rustic board full of seasonal favorites.

What You’ll Need:

• Cheeses: Sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and brie topped with fig jam

• Meats: Sliced prosciutto, turkey medallions, or salami

• Fruits: Sliced apples, pears, and dried cranberries

• Sides: Roasted nuts, pretzels, seeded crackers

• Extras: Mini pumpkins, fresh rosemary sprigs, and a drizzle of honey

Tip: Arrange cheese wedges in different directions for visual interest, and use small ramekins for jams or spreads to keep your board neat.

2. The Merry & Bright Board — Christmas Classic

A colorful, holiday-inspired board that doubles as a table centerpiece.

What You’ll Need:

• Cheeses: Brie, havarti, and pepper jack for a mix of mild and spicy

• Meats: Italian salami and pepperoni slices

• Fruits: Red grapes, strawberries, pomegranate seeds, and green apple slices

• Sides: Almonds, candied pecans, and rosemary crackers

• Extras: Fresh rosemary “garland,” sprigs of pine, pinecones, christmas colored candies, and a handful of cranberries for decoration

Tip: Use alternating colors (reds, greens, and whites) to make your board pop. Add a small bowl of chocolate truffles or peppermint bark for a sweet finish.

3. The Winter Comfort Board — Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing

Ideal for New Year’s Eve or a casual winter get-together.

What You’ll Need:

• Cheeses: Blue cheese, aged cheddar, and creamy goat cheese

• Meats: Soppressata or bresaola

• Fruits: Figs, blackberries, and orange slices

• Sides: Toasted baguette slices, mixed nuts, and dark chocolate pieces

• Extras: A drizzle of hot honey, cinnamon sticks, and a few pinecones or fairy lights for ambiance

Tip: Serve with a warm mulled wine, cider, or spiced hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy pairing.

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Wrap-Up

For a holiday gathering that’s as beautiful as it is simple to pull off: pick your board, layer greenery, choose a variety of cheeses and breads, add sweet & savory accents, and finish with festive touches. You’ll have a board that’s delicious and Instagram-worthy — perfect for this season of celebration.

If you’re preparing your home for guests (or potential buyers!) and wondering which upgrades or features will make the most difference, the BELL Home Team is here — from hosting tips to market timing, we’ve got you covered.