The Art of Holiday Boards: A Guide to Gathering Better

December 09, 2024 4 min read

The Art of Holiday Boards: A Guide to Gathering Better

A new Kind of Celebration

Remember those holiday moments when someone quietly passed on the charcuterie board, their dietary choices making them feel like an outsider? Not anymore. This season, we're rewriting the story of gathering—one board at a time.

Nothing says the holidays quite like a room full of loved ones, all gravitating toward a stunning spread that everyone can enjoy. No quiet compromises, no polite passes. Just pure celebration and the kind of inclusive abundance that makes holidays magical.

The best holiday memories often start with everyone gathered around good food. This season, we're elevating the traditional board game with premium charcuterie that brings everyone together.

The Building Blocks of Better Boards

Clean Cuts That Everyone Can Eat

Premium meats should be the focal point of your board. Think of them as your centerpiece—the conversation starter that keeps everyone coming back for more. Our fresh-sliced deli selections offer:

  • Classic favorites with a modern twist
  • Clean, simple ingredients
  • Perfect texture for folding, rolling, or fanning
  • Restaurant-quality taste that everyone can enjoy

Pro Tip: Plan for 2-3 ounces of meat per person. Arrange in different areas of your board using varied presentations—some folded, some rolled, some fanned—to create visual interest and easy access from all angles.

Fresh & Vibrant Fruits and Veggies

The secret to an unforgettable board? Color, texture, and contrast. Consider:

  • Seasonal fruits that add pops of color:
    • Fresh figs (halved to show their beautiful centers)
    • Jewel-toned pomegranate seeds
    • Clusters of red and green grapes
    • Ripe persimmons for that holiday touch
  • Crisp vegetables for texture:
    • Rainbow of bell peppers
    • Persian cucumbers
    • Baby carrots
    • Sugar snap peas

Rich & Briny Additions

Add depth with:

  • Marinated olives (mix green and black for visual interest)
  • Cornichons or mini pickles
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Marinated artichoke hearts

Why Boards Matter

Charcuterie boards are more than just appetizers—they're conversation starters, ice breakers, and memory makers. They're the centerpiece that draws people in and keeps them coming back, one delicious bite after another. When done right, they become the heart of any gathering, creating those precious moments when time seems to slow down and connections deepen.

Spreads & Accompaniments: The Great Connectors


Every great board needs elements that bring it all together. Think of these as the glue that turns individual ingredients into perfect bites.

The Classics, Elevated

Remember when "party spread" meant a sad block of cream cheese with pepper jelly? We've come a long way. Today's boards deserve:

  • Bold mustards (whole grain adds visual texture)
  • Fig jam or honey for drizzling
  • Cranberry compote (because holidays)
  • Olive tapenade
  • Roasted garlic cloves

Holiday Host Tip: Place spreads strategically around your board in small bowls. This creates natural gathering spots and ensures everyone can reach their favorites without doing that awkward "board reach" across the table.

Creating Moments That Matter

There's something almost magical about the way people naturally gather around a beautiful board. Maybe it's the shared act of discovering new combinations, or perhaps it's the informal nature of grazing that puts everyone at ease. Whatever it is, we've noticed that some of the best holiday conversations happen while reaching for "just one more bite."

Beyond the Board

Think beyond the food for a moment. Consider how you'll set the scene:

  • Position your board where people naturally congregate
  • Add soft lighting nearby
  • Create multiple access points so nobody feels stuck in one spot
  • Keep small plates and napkins easily accessible
  • Consider background music that encourages lingering

And the Art of Assembly


Building Your Base

Think of your board like a tiny landscape. You're creating peaks, valleys, and pathways that guide people through a delicious adventure.

  1. Start with Structure
    • Place your bowls of spreads first
    • Create anchor points with folded meats
    • Leave room for movement between sections
  2. Layer in Texture
    • Stack crackers vertically for height
    • Fan sliced bread against edges
    • Pile nuts and dried fruit in empty spaces
    • Tuck fresh herbs between sections
  3. Add Visual Flow
    • Create curves with sliced vegetables
    • Trail grape clusters like vines
    • Let ingredients spill naturally into each other

The Holiday Touch

'Tis the season to make it magical. Consider:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for that winter forest feel
  • Dried orange slices for color and aroma
  • Candied nuts scattered throughout
  • Sugared cranberries for sparkle
  • Gold or silver serving utensils

Making It Last

The key to stress-free hosting? Timing.

Day Before:

  • Prep all vegetables
  • Make spreads
  • Pick up fresh-sliced meats from your deli
  • Gather serving pieces

Morning Of:

  • Remove ingredients from refrigerator to take the chill off
  • Slice bread
  • Wash and dry herbs

One Hour Before:

  • Begin assembly
  • Hold fresh herbs until last minute

A Tale of Two Traditions


While holiday traditions are beautiful, they're even better when they evolve to include everyone. This year, we're seeing hosts combine classic presentations with modern inclusivity:

  • Grandma's vintage serving platters loaded with premium meats everyone can enjoy
  • Traditional holiday flavors reimagined for contemporary tastes
  • Time-honored family recipes side by side with new favorites
  • Old-world presentation techniques showcasing modern ingredients

New Traditions

Every great holiday tradition had to start somewhere. Why not make this the year you become known for your legendary boards? Some ideas:

  • Create a signature combination
  • Name your favorite combinations
  • Take photos of your creations
  • Share recipes for inspired pairings

In a world that often feels divided, there's something profound about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Your holiday board isn't just serving food—it's serving connection, inclusion, and joy.

Making Memories

Every great holiday tradition started somewhere. Maybe this is the year you become known for:

  • Your legendary holiday boards that welcome all
  • The way you bring people together
  • Starting conversations that last long after the last bite
  • Creating a space where everyone belongs

Remember: perfection isn't the goal—connection is. Your board should feel abundant but not precious, curated but not fussy. Because at the end of the day, the best boards are the ones that bring people together.

Want to get started? Visit your local deli counter, where fresh-sliced Prime Roots premium meats are ready to make your holiday gathering unforgettable.