A board built around a theme is so much more fun to make and also more fun to eat! You can make themed boards around anything: a holiday, a single color, or a whole decade. A theme gives you an easy way to choose ingredients and makes the board feel tailor-made for the occasion.
I've been entertaining friends and family for almost 30 years, and themed boards are still my favorite thing to put together. Below you'll find holiday boards for the whole year, color boards for bring-a-board nights, party menus, and tips for feeding a crowd without overspending.
Newest Boards
Holiday Charcuterie Boards
Holidays are the easiest place to start because the theme picks your colors for you. You can go savory or sweet or anywhere in between. Chocolate hearts are perfect in February, pastel candy at Easter, red, white and blue berries in July, and rosemary "trees" at Christmas will make your boards pop.
- Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board: Sweet treats and favorites tailored to someone you love, whether it's for two or for a party. They're also great for Galentine's!
- Easter Charcuterie Board: Ideas for cheese, dessert, candy, and traditional boards, with plenty of pastels and chocolate bunnies.
- 4th of July Charcuterie Boards: 39 red, white and blue boards, each with at least one idea you can borrow.
- Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas: Tree, wreath and other holiday shapes that can be made ahead for holiday parties.
Color Boards for a Bring-a-Board Party
At a bring-a-board party, every guest brings a board, and the host often picks a theme. A single color is one of the most popular choices because it's easy to shop for and looks stunning when all the boards are lined up together.
- Pink Charcuterie Board Ideas: Pink ingredients plus real board examples for inspiration. Perfect for Valentine's Day, bridal showers, or a pink party.
- 75 Red Food Ideas: Red fruits, vegetables, candy and desserts, all in one list, so you can fill a red board without guessing.
Theme Party Menus
When you want the whole party to have a theme, these posts go beyond the board, with menus and ideas to set the mood.
- 1920s Finger Foods: A Great Gatsby-style menu of canapés, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails from the Jazz Age.
- 18 Creative Summer Charcuterie Board Ideas: Boards that show off fresh summer produce, perfect for patio parties, picnics, and barbecues.
Feeding a Crowd
Bigger parties call for bigger spreads, but they don't have to cost a fortune. Start with how much food you'll actually need, then use these tricks to make the table look full and gorgeous.
- Grazing Table Ideas on a Budget: Where to spend, where to save, and how to arrange a table so it looks full.
- How Much Charcuterie Per Person: How much food you'll need plus a calculator that builds your shopping list by guest count.
- Trader Joe's Charcuterie Boards: Shopping lists for $25, $50, $75 and $100 boards.
The Finishing Touch
A personalized board makes a great hostess or party gift. These 57 funny charcuterie quotes are perfect for engraving on a board or writing on a little sign for your table.
Party Board FAQ
What is a bring-a-board party?
It's a get-together where each guest brings their own board to share, a bit like a potluck. The host usually picks a theme, such as a color or holiday, so the boards look great together.
How do I choose a theme for my board?
Start with the occasion. Holidays and colors are the easiest themes because they narrow down your shopping list right away. Then pick two or three hero items that fit the theme and fill in around them with crackers, fruit and nuts.
How far ahead can I make a party board?
You can prep most ingredients a day ahead: slice cheeses, fold meats and wash fruit. Then store everything covered in the fridge. Assemble the board within a few hours of the party so crackers stay crisp and fruit stays fresh.