So Gouda!

Prepare to brie amazed! Master the essentials to create a stunning and nourishing cheeseboard—perfect for any occasion.

On the menu:

starting points for occasion planning, guest considerations, and the experience you want to create around your board
tips for choosing and arranging cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and more
unique touches that add seasonal flair and reflect your signature style
handy shopping lists for prep tools, plus all the fixings for Girl Dinner and Fan Favorite boards
mouth-watering ideas to spark your creativity

Come for the cheese; stay for the inspiration.

Delight

in cheeseboard design

Your signature curation of cheese, charcuterie, and garnishes is more than food—it’s an invitation to gather and indulge, a moment to savor, share, and enjoy. Let’s dig in …

Match your board to the moment.

Is it a holiday? A birthday? A cozy night in?

Take a moment to consider the vibe of the event (which could be, “Busy Tuesday Night”) and build the board from there.
Before you write your grocery list, ask your guests about food allergies, aversions, and preferences. This makes your board safe for all to eat.

I include the following in my gathering invitations, “R.S.V.P. Please say you can attend and share your favorite cheese.”

Craft your board with creativity, but one rule stands: it must have the “You Can Sit with Us” spirit of inclusion.

Thinking ahead makes your board and the event you’re building around it (let’s be real—the board IS the event) personal and thoughtful — and — it gets your guests’ mouths watering in anticipation.
Be sure to have all prep and cutting accessories, serving items, plus hand towels and a bowl for scraps (don’t you dare toss them!) and garbage (cheese wrappers) nearby.

If you are traveling with your board, consider this before you begin. Place long pieces of Saran Wrap under the board so when you’re done designing, you can wrap it up for transport.

Do not fret about transport. Place the board carefully on the floor of your car. If your car is full of folks, task your most responsible guest to hold the board on his or her lap (perhaps offer a baggie of scraps to reward the hard work and impressive restraint).
We all know cheese is the star of the show—mix textures and flavors, then cut and arrange it beautifully. Guest preferences and variety are key to a memorable board.

A crinkle cutter instantly elevates a boring block. Fanning slices of harder, triangular cheese or flipping every-other, long-side to short-side in a zipper style always impresses.

You can also do the “wrist twist” with Cheddar—place the point of a knife in the middle of the block and … twist your wrist. Small, organically shaped pieces of cheese emerge, perfect for piling.

I like to have a Cheddar (the more aged, the better), a Goat (rolled in crushed pistachios with cherry jelly to delight), a Havarti (with dill, if my guests are game), a Swiss (not my fave, but most love it), plus an Aged Gouda (ancient, if possible) and Manchego on my large boards.

Manchego is often new for folks. I like to tell the story of my friend who was proposed to with a new puppy, wearing a diamond ring on his collar. Before saying, “Yes,” she said, “Let’s name him Manchego!” For all his days, he went by, simply, “Cheegie.” (Oh! And, she said, “Yes.”)
We don’t just pile it on—we make it twist, drape, and bloom like the art it is.

Choose salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto—who are we kidding—get them all!

Meat tends to do for men what cheese does for women—it magnetizes them.

Twist prosciutto in rosettes or small bundles (it can be very awkward to pick up from a board, otherwise). Use a small-mouthed glass (Oui yogurt jars are the perfect size) and fold slices of salami over the rim (in half), moving a quarter-inch clockwise with every new slice. After about 20 slices, turn the glass over to reveal a salami rose.

Crackers, baguette, toasted nuts—texture makes every bite sing.

Selecting the right assortment of breads and crackers is essential for an inviting cheeseboard. After all, it is the vessel for all the delicious toppings.

Fresh Baguette provides a soft interior and crisp crust. Yum. Purchase it on the day of your gathering to ensure optimal freshness, and slice it diagonally for an elegant presentation.
Artisanal Crackers incorporate a variety of crackers to offer different textures and flavors.
- Raincoast Crisps by Lesley Stowe: These artisanal crackers come in flavors like Cranberry Hazelnut and Fig & Olive, featuring a blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that pair well with both soft and hard cheeses.
- 34 Degrees Rosemary Crisps: Thin and crisp with a subtle rosemary flavor, these crackers enhance the taste of your cheese selection without overpowering it.
- Valley Lahvosh Baking Company Crackers: Known for their unique shapes, including rounds, stars, hearts, and Christmas trees, these crackers add a festive touch to your cheeseboard. Their original flavor complements a wide range of cheeses and charcuterie.
Gluten-Free Options accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free crackers such as Mary's Gone Crackers Original or Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, offer delicious alternatives without compromising on taste or texture.
By thoughtfully selecting a mix of fresh bread and unique crackers, you can enhance your board, ensuring each bite offers a truly delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Grapes drape, apples fan, berries tuck in—adding depth, color, brightness and sweetness to your spread.

Red and green grapes are a staple—buy them day-of for peak freshness. Kids (and adults, too) gravitate toward the fruit, so make it easy to grab.

Apples and pears? Slice them with a crinkle cutter for texture and visual appeal and fan them out. Want to get fancy? Add starfruit, kiwi, or pomegranate for a pop of color and intrigue.

Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries—create beautiful textures. Make a windy “raspberry river” to add movement to your board.

Figs, dried apricots, and Craisins bring depth and chewiness, plus they store well, making them great to have on hand for a last-minute “girl dinner.” (FYI: boys can have girl dinner, too. Remember our “You Can Sit with Us” philosophy!)

Fruit isn’t just filler—it’s balance. It brings sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to round out your board.
Chocolate, honey, olives, figs—these tiny surprises make it unforgettable. It’s in the little extras where your signature style shines.
Have fun. Make it yours. A drizzle of lavender honey, a chunk of dark chocolate, a handful of Marcona almonds—these little touches bring warmth and personality to the board. Think about what you love, what your guests will enjoy, and what you may already have on hand.
Maybe it’s a spoonful of fig or cherry jam, a few candied pecans, or a sprinkle of flaky salt over something unexpected. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just intentional.
The best boards aren’t just delicious; they’re thoughtful. A reflection of you, shared with others.
Your favorite tiny bowls, a vintage cheese knife, a well-loved serving tray—these are your signatures.
The pieces you choose aren’t just functional—they’re part of the experience. Maybe it’s an antique silver spreader from your great-aunt, seasonal nesting bowls you’ve collected over the years, or a shot glass with a story behind it that inspirescuriosity and conversation in your gatherings.
I love white ceramic pieces—they’re simple, go with everything, and are easy to mix and match. Many of my favorites are budget-friendly finds from Amazon or HomeGoods—seasonal nesting bowls in the shape of hearts, bunnies, trees, and snowflakes delight me every time I see them. (And yes, they have their own shelf.) Tiny dishes meant for soy sauce make perfect vessels for olives or nuts.
You probably have pieces like this already—small bowls, ramekins, or even seasonal paper treat cups that add personality to your board. The key is to keep it manageable, effortless, and uniquely yours.
Epic boards aren’t just about the food—they’re about the thoughtful details that make people feel welcomed.
It’s showtime! Relax and enjoy the magic of the moment. Get yourself a beverage (if you haven’t yet!) and see what unfolds.

You’ve placed your board in the perfect spot—accessible and inviting. Now, watch as people gather, light up, and start picking their favorites.

Nothing brings people together like a thoughtful cheese and charcuterie board. It’s not just about the cheese—it’s about the thought behind it. You’ve considered who’s here and what they love, and created something meant to be shared. Don’t be surprised if people literally clap when they see it—it’s a moment of pure delight.