A board gives guests something to snack on while the turkey rests, and you can make it hours ahead. Here are two versions: a classic fall charcuterie board, and a butter board that comes together in about 10 minutes.
The Thanksgiving charcuterie board (8 guests, appetizer)
- Cheese, about 1½ lb: aged white cheddar, brie, and a smoked gouda or a sage-rubbed cheese
- Cured meats, about 1 lb: salami and prosciutto
- Fall fruit: sliced pears, red grapes, dried apricots and figs
- Crunch: spiced pecans, crackers, sliced baguette
- Sweet and briny: fig jam or cranberry sauce, honey, cornichons
- Garnish: rosemary and sage sprigs
Serving 6–10? Use the large 18 × 10 in. acacia board ($54). For 4–6 guests, the 14 × 9 in. board ($39) is the right size. For exact amounts for six people, see our charcuterie for 6 guide.
5-step layout
- Place the small bowls first (jam, cornichons).
- Space out the cheeses and pre-cut a few slices.
- Fold the meats into "rivers" between the cheeses.
- Fill the big gaps with fruit and crackers.
- Tuck nuts and herbs into the small gaps.
The fall butter board (6–10 guests)
A butter board is softened butter spread across a board, topped with sweet or savory toppings and served with bread for scooping.
You'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened at room temperature for about 1 hour
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of flaky salt
- Toppings: chopped toasted pecans, dried cranberries, fresh thyme, orange zest
- Warm bread, crostini or sliced baguette
How to make it:
- Spread the softened butter in swoops across the board with the back of a spoon, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Scatter the pecans, cranberries, thyme and zest over the top, then finish with flaky salt.
- Serve right away with the bread.
Food-safety tip: don't let a butter board sit out for more than about 2 hours. Make it just before guests arrive, and wipe the acacia board with warm soapy water afterward (don't soak it).
Savory version: garlic-herb butter, chopped chives, crispy shallots and cracked pepper.
Make-ahead plan
- The day before: slice the hard cheeses, toast the nuts, and wash the fruit. Store each in its own container.
- 1 hour before: take the butter out to soften.
- 30 minutes before: assemble both boards.
Setting the table
See our Friendsgiving table ideas. New here? WELCOME15 takes 15% off your first order.
Holiday gift ideas
- Host gifts under $50: easy things to bring to someone else's table.
- Stocking stuffers under $25: small gifts that are worth the drawer space.
Warmly, Mira