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Two moms navigating empty nest life with heart, humour, and a whole lot of family love.

Friday Favorites: Charcuterie Board Essentials to Elevate Your Weekend

Say goodbye to boring snacks! Check out our favorite charcuterie board essentials that will transform your next get-together. It’s time to elevate your entertaining game and impress your guests.

I’m sure you’ve seen the latest way to entertain at home.

It’s all about grazing tables.

Let’s face it whenever we have a get together everyone always winds up in the kitchen, are we right?

So why not give them what they want and casually serve food?

Charcuterie boards have leveled up from an ordinary platter of cheese and crackers to a work of food art.

They’re often so creative and beautiful that can be a little intimidating for the average host.

To assemble an incredible and enticing charcuterie board you have to start with the essentials.

You need the right supplies to build your grazing table and we’re going to share our favorites with you today.

Table Of Contents

Charcuterie Board Styles
Kraft Paper Table Cover
Small Serving Bowls and Utensils
Decorative Cocktail Picks and Food Skewers
Cake Stands and Tiered Trays for Serving Food
Pedestals and Risers on a Grazing Table
Resources and Shopping Links
More Charcuterie Board and Grazing Table Entertaining Ideas
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Charcuterie Board Styles

kitchen island counter filled with food on different wood boards

Wood charcuterie boards are available in many different shapes and sizes.

From long wood-handled boards to large round options or even traditional rectangular serving trays.

You can also use a slate cheese board that would allow you to write the cheese selections you’re offering right on the board.

Or use a variety of wood, slate, and marble serving boards for an eclectic look.

Wood board filled with ingredients to make s'mores in a room with a lit fireplace.

Some wood boards even hide serving utensils inside like the one that Anne used for her fabulous s’mores dessert board.

This round charcuterie board would make a great gift.

In a pinch, you can even flip over a wood cutting board and use the flat underside for your food display.

Kraft Paper Table Cover

overhead view of wine and cheese party grazing table

If you plan to create a grazing table and want to put some of the food directly on your table in addition to a board you’ll want to protect your table top.

Grab a roll of plain Kraft paper or even this pretty option with gold polka dots and lay it over your table.

Your kitchen counter or island is another great place to assemble your grazing area just cover the surface with Kraft paper.

It would be fun to write some of the food options on the Kraft paper too.

AnnMarie added some fun football graphics on her Kraft paper runner to this tablescape.

Small Serving Bowls and Utensils

various wood charcuterie boards and small bowls laid out on kitchen island

Many charcuterie boards are assembled with not only finger foods but also spreads.

These mini gold bowls are perfect for serving honey, tapenades, jam, and more.

Slightly larger bowls can accommodate dips like spinach and artichoke dip or hummus.

You’ll want to put out serving utensils for spreads and dips that are an appropriate size for the small serving bowls.

This affordable charcuterie board accessory set comes with little spoons, appetizer forks, small tongs, and cheese knives.

Decorative Cocktail Picks and Food Skewers

Plate with huli huli chicken kebabs on circular skewers for a tropical cocktail party.

Some food is difficult to just pick up with your hands so serving it on skewers makes more sense.

These curved metal kabob skewers are great for serving this appetizer chicken recipe.

Putting out a small jar of cocktail picks on your table allows guests to easily serve themselves rather than using their hands.

Plus you’re able to eat the food from a toothpick having to use a fork.

caprese appetizer on bamboo skewer on charcuterie board

You also may want to make some of your appetizers ahead of time like these delicious Caprese skewers with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

These decorative bamboo food and cocktail picks are neutral enough for any themed party.