If you only think chocolate when you think about Valentine’s Day, you are missing out on some great opportunities to entertain. There are no set rules when it comes to a special Valentine’s Day delicacy. This year try your hand at a creative charcuterie board for someone you love. One of my favorite Instagram pages is @theboardcouple for their beautiful ideas. Monica Nino, from The Board Couple, has a variety of examples for great inspiration.
Definition of a Charcuterie Board
The word originated from France and the translation is “butcher shop”. The French version refers to pork, but feel free to put your own spin on your masterpiece. The traditional board is a tray filled with food items such as cured meat, cheese, olives, and nuts. Crackers and fig jam are also often paired with this board.
First Things First
When setting the menu, determine how many people you will be hosting. If it’s a Valentine’s Day for two, your board will be smaller than if you are planning a Valentine’s Day baby shower for 20 guests. When building your board, don’t forget to plan for “plus ones” and unexpected guests. Send out your party invitations at least three weeks in advance.
Think Outside of the Box
Pick a theme, and don’t limit yourself to the usual colors of pink and red. Vibrant colors such as purple, royal blue, and gold are all great choices. Find some pretty napkins, a table cloth, flowers for the table, and party favors in your favorite hue and decorate your table and foyer. If you are planning an intimate dinner by the fire, use what you have in your cabinet and focus on the food and conversation. If you are planning a larger get-together, concentrate on quality food, an inviting atmosphere where people will feel the energy of the event.
Start Collecting Your Boards
A framed (or unframed) mirror is the perfect choice for a modern and beautiful charcuterie tray. Another option is a large frame you have stuffed in a closet, not in use. Place a pretty piece of wrapping paper or a picture the two of you, and use it as a board. Other good choices are a marble cutting board, a sample piece of tile or slate you have hanging around in your garage, or some pretty ceramic trays you have accumulated throughout the years. Two of my favorite serving pieces, I acquired by chance. I was going to tile my bathroom several years ago, and someone gave me a sample tile to consider. My shower never ended up being updated, but I did keep the tile, and I use it regularly to highlight, display, and showcase holiday decorations and also as a beautiful charcuterie board.
It’s Not All About the Cheese
Your charcuterie tray can include everything from peel and eat shrimp to mini corndogs, depending on who will be enjoying the food. If you are hosting a children’s party, create a special dessert tray, filled with sweet treats. The picture below is what mine will look like this year.
Customs and Culture
Include your friends when it comes to creating your menu. Ask them to bring a tray of favorite food items and display them on themed boards.
Sweet on Dessert
Create a showstopper at your dessert table. Make sure to include different colors, textures, shapes, and sizes. Lauren Petrowski, former host of Good Day Austin, on-air camera personality and public speaker has some great ideas on her blog. She created a beautiful Valentine’s (Galantine’s) board you won’t want to miss. Her blog is full of fun and interesting tips and information.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Send me a picture of your own creation.
You may also like What a First Date Can Teach You About Landing the Perfect Job. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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