December 2, 2022
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Christmas is that time of year when we love to have people come together and spend quality time snuggling by a fire, catching up, and, of course, eating. There are so many options when it comes to serving holiday party guests, but (not surprisingly) our favorite are Christmas charcuterie boards.
There are a few reasons we build charcuterie boards for our Christmas parties more times than not. First, they can be quite simple to build, while looking polished and festive. Choose a couple meats, a couple cheeses, a fruit, a veggie and a chip and you can easily craft a showstopping charcuterie board.
Second, charcuterie boards are a great way to serve a variety of foods that can satisfy a range of palettes. Kids may tend to reach for a simple slice of cheddar and a cracker, while more sophisticated cheese lovers may grab a slice of brie with jalapeno jelly. Still others with food sensitivities or preferences can find something that works for them- vegans can enjoy fruits, veggies and nuts, those that avoid meat can eat cheese and spreads, while those who are lactose intolerant may like a slice of pepperoni with a vegan cracker.
Finally, charcuterie boards are fun to gather around and can be a great conversation piece- especially if you build something as eye-catching as a Christmas charcuterie board. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.
Christmas Charcuterie Tree
The Christmas tree is one of the most iconic symbols of the season. It is also great inspiration for a festive board.
There are a lot of ways to creatively use the Christmas tree in charcuterie. The simplest way is to get a board in this shape, like this one here:
Then arrange your ingredients in fun patterns or groupings, keeping in mind that a variety of colors, shapes and textures makes for the most interesting charcuterie boards.
This isn’t the only fantastic Christmas-tree shaped idea for holiday platters, though. A bunch of small trees, perfect for an easy-to-grab portion can be loaded up on a tray, like this adorable idea.
You can also think vertically and build a tall, stunning charcuterie tree like this. The height is a show stopper and works perfectly as both and appetizer and a decoration.
Christmas Wreath Charcuterie
Another great idea for a merry charcuterie board is the Christmas wreath. Any platter will do for this design, but a round board is ideal. You can check out some of our favorite round charcuterie boards here.
Arrange your chosen ingredients in a round pattern around the platter, building until it looks full and even. Sprigs of rosemary, basil leaves and other herb greenery look especially great with this design. Pop some red cherry tomatoes on the board for a Christmas-y pairing with the greenery and other colors.
Here is a gorgeous example that incorporates meat flowers as well as herb greenery and beautifully chosen colors from blueberries, cheeses, fruits, olives and pickles.
Charcuterie doesn't only have to be for appetizers or meals- it can also be served for dessert. We have another blog with some sweet charcuterie suggestions, but here is one that features sweets in addition to meats and cheeses built in the wreath shape. Substitute the savory ingredients with cookies, candies and fruit for a perfect, striking dessert to bring to a holiday party.
Charcuterie Chalet
This is the newest and most ‘out there’ idea we’re sharing here. If you're looking for a more avant garde Christmas charcuterie board, you've found the right place. An article in the National Post told holiday hosts to forget gingerbread houses and build a charcuterie chalet or meat mansion instead.
If you’re ready to take on a challenge to build a meat house, we’re here to provide some inspo. The rosemary trees and pumpkin seed cobblestone are admittedly charming in this example. The rustic theme of the cabin is also perfectly preserved with the board choice- a slice of live edge wood. The cheese ‘snow’ on the roof really is the piece de resistance. Please, if you build this, tag us on Instagram: @mmmboards. We’re dying to see a few people attempt it!
Here's another sweet chalet that has the most precious little pretzel window and broccoli bushes.
Whether you're a traditional kind of host, or you like to surprise your guests with something truly unexpected, there's a charcuterie board that's perfect for your holiday party this year. You can even serve charcuterie without a board at all, like we share in our blog on charcuterie cups. Besides the gifts under the tree, one of these Christmas charcuterie boards might be the biggest hits with your friends and family.
Happy Holidays!
