Sweet and flavor packed cheeses, deliciously spiced meats, delectable fruits and crisp crackers and breads. Originating in France, Charcuterie originally once referred to a style of cooking that involved meat preparation. Charcuterie now tends to refer to a board of meats accompanied by a selection of other flavorful ingredients. Charcuterie boards are always a huge festive favorite during the holidays. This year however instead of piling all the ingredients onto a simple white plate to serve to your guests, give it a delightful festive twist.

Below we have included some tips below to ensure your festive charcuterie board impresses any and all visitors you may be hosting over the holiday season.

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1. Choose your board carefully

Homeware, vintage and interiors stores are full of unusual and characterful board alternatives. There are a variety of different materials to choose from, including colored marble, slate, rustic shaped wood, metal and even semi-precious stone. Wooden boards can have a particularly festive appeal as their color and texture evoke memories of old traditional Christmases. Round, shaped, personalized and in a variety of stain colors, wooden boards can make a great option for a festive charcuterie board.

2. Consider the balance of ingredients
Consider including these types of ingredients for balance (crunchy, soft, salty, sweet, creamy). To ensure your board is balanced with a range of textures and tastes. From crunchy crackers, soft biscuits, salty meats, sweet fruits and creamy cheeses. Some recommendations: nuts, cheese, meats, fruit, veggies, honey, jam, chocolate. It is often recommended to have only one smoked meat per tray as the flavor is usually very strong. A chewy salami will pair wonderfully with a smooth rich pate, spicy cheeses will pair nicely with sweet fruits and cold cheeses will go very well with warm sausage. Contrast is often the key with a charcuterie board.

3. Quality ingredients
A charcuterie board is usually considered a collection of luxury and delicious high-quality products. As the holidays are also a special occasion, consider buying more artisanal products, perhaps from a local market or even a festive holiday market that may be nearby. From smoked meats, exquisite chutneys, to unusual cheeses, you may find a new favorite food, flavor or brand.

4. Portion Sizes
Generally a portion size (if the charcuterie board is being consumed as a snack) is approximately 2 oz. of meat per person. At a larger gathering, perhaps a cocktail party or buffet you should consider increasing the number or boards or their size and apply ingredients as suitable to suit the needs of the invited guests.

5. Presentation and decoration
The finishing touches. An array of festive decorations you should consider placing on the board includes small pine branches (preferably ones where the needles will not fall or drop!), pinecones, sprigs of holly, rosemary or mistletoe. To hold nuts, dips, sauces or jams you could consider using festively shaped bowls like angels or reindeer. Perhaps each of the ingredients is arranged into a simple festive shape like a star or Christmas tree.

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