Charcuterie Board Ideas – The Best Unique Holiday Ideas

You need to check out this top article on the best charcuterie board ideas. Check out the perfect ideas for every holiday.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Holiday Charcuterie Board Ideas

The holidays are some of the best times of the year — and also the busiest!

Whether you’re hosting or attending a dinner party, casual get-together, holiday-themed date night, or are hosting the biggest holiday family get-together of the year a charcuterie board is the answer.

While a French word (which typically would have positive, romantic connotations), the word “Charcuterie” literally means “cooked flesh”…

However, if you’ve never actually experienced a charcuterie board don’t let that put you off.

A charcuterie board in many people’s opinion is truly made up of the favorite things in life — cheese, cured meats, honey, jams, fresh fruit or vegetables, and other delicious items.

It’s truly the perfect appetizer — not too fancy and not too casual, perfect for a casual picnic or special occasions… they are even becoming increasingly popular at weddings!

You’ve probably experienced a charcuterie board of sorts — even as a child. There are no set “rules”!

Most people enjoy charcuterie boards with a variety of meats and several types of cheese – both hard and soft.

While literally hard and soft, “hard cheeses” and “soft cheeses” have to do with the way they are made. The hardness of the cheese has to do with how long it has “aged” typically. 

For hard cheese think parmesan, manchego, and cheddar, and for soft cheeses think things like blue cheese, goat cheese, or brie cheese.

Let’s dive into some of the best charcuterie spread ideas whether you love a large board for a huge number of people or a small board to host your next party.

Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board Ideas

Valentine’s Day, a dedicated day of love and showing the people you love that you care about them, whether they’re you’re partner or gal pals.

​When one thinks of Valentine’s Day symbolism such as hearts, flowers, candy, sweets, and bright, monochromatic romantic colors.

A Valentine’s Day charcuterie platter is a great idea for hosting.

Here are some fun ideas for items to add to your Valentine’s Day charcuterie board!

• ​An array of chocolate flavors from creamy and milky to rich and dark.
• Heart-shaped candies, cookies, and other festive treats.
• Bright or soft ribbons
• Edible or faux flowers
• Redish-hued selection of meats such as Italian dry salami or soppressata
• Heart-shaped big board
• A variety of cheeses and their wine pairings
• Red fruits such as strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and apples
• Red vegetables such as red peppers or cherry tomatoes

… or even better, combine multiple elements such as chocolate-covered strawberries.

​Depending on your personal preference you can go sweet or salty — there’s no wrong answer.

These Valentine’s Day charcuterie board ideas are great for hosting a lovely Valentine’s Day event.

Easter Charcuterie Board Ideas

Whether you celebrate Easter or simply love springtime a charcuterie board is the perfect item for hosting or just a nice meal.

When you think of Easter or springtime you might conjure up some images of baby animals, spring flowers, soft pastel colors, sweet treats such as Easter candy, and fresh fruits and veggies.

Here are some Easter or springtime charcuterie board ideas to consider!

• Easter bunny candies
• Easter candies such as jelly beans
• Marshmallows (or peeps!)
• Fresh spring fruits such as strawberries, cherries, and lemons
• Colorful sweets such as macaroons
• Delicious dips for pretzels such as peanut butter
• Lovely fresh, soft cheese such as herby goat cheese

These ideas are the perfect additions to a cheese board and a fun way to celebrate the Easter or springtime season!

​A charcuterie board is perfect for hosting your next Easter gathering of friends, family, or both!

4th Of July Charcuterie Board Ideas

The Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and also Labor Day are often the perfect times of year for hosting due to the warm weather and holidays.

Many people find themselves camping, at the beach, hosting pool parties, and enjoying making meals.

That’s why making your own charcuterie board is a great option for hosting and the perfect way to take an event or gathering to the next level.

Here are some of my favorite charcuterie board ideas for Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day!

• Patriotic colors for things like arrangements of fruits
• American flags on toothpicks or napkins
• Fresh Caprese salad – on toothpicks – basil, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes
• An Americana-themed charcuteriee board
• The best cheeses are soft summer cheeses such as brie
• Cold meats for a refreshing taste of summer
• Items or foods reminiscent of the shore such as a hot crab dip
• Fresh veggies
• Mini shish kabobs are a popular appetizer
• Sharp cheese options such as a classic sharp cheddar

These are some favorite ways to celebrate the classic summer holidays.

These are the best ideas for any summer holiday party.

Halloween Charcuterie Board Ideas

Halloween is a great time of year for spooky and sweet ideas for the holiday.

Here are some fun Halloween charcuterie board ideas!

• Vintage items such as doilies from antique shops.
• Lots of candy and treats
• Cobwebs and other fun Halloween iconography
• Creating a “witches brew”
• Sweet items such as fig jam
• Mini pumpkins
• Spicy or herbed meat products
• The perfect wine pairings for fall such as a gouda and merlot.
• Lovely nuts such as Marcona almonds.
• Fresh herbs

These Halloween ideas are super fun ways to add some fun and spooky new things to gorgeous charcuterie boards.

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas

Thanksgiving is the iconic hosting holiday, so adding a charcuterie board is a great way to add some delicious cheeses to the holiday.

Here are some great Thanksgiving ideas for the perfect charcuterie board pairings!

• ​Delicious fall goods such as apples
• Fall florals
• Grains as decorative accents
• Cozy pumpkins
• Beautiful candle sticks
• Beautiful wooden boards
• Various types of bread
• Cranberries
• Delicious accents such as olive oil
• Small bowls of nuts

These charcuterie ideas are the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving gathering.

Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas

Christmas is the ultimate hosting experience. Adding these lovely holiday items is the perfect way to host a gathering.

Here are some Christmas-themed ideas for additions to your charcuterie spread.

• Sprigs of rosemary
• Christmas colors
• Christmas florals
• Pinecones and sprigs of pine
• Christmas cookies
• Holiday spices – star anise, cinnamon sticks
• Nuts
• A variety of textures of cheeses
• Berries & Fruit
• Pomegranate
•  Christmas candies

These Christmas charcuterie boards are the perfect additions to any holiday gathering.

I hope you enjoyed these charcuterie board ideas for all your favorite holiday-hosting events.