Elegant Gilded Edge Board (Printable)

An elegant cheese and charcuterie display arranged along the outer rim for visual flair.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 4.2 oz triple-cream Brie, cut into slim wedges
02 - 4.2 oz aged Manchego, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled or sliced
04 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, formed into small rounds

→ Charcuterie

05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded into ribbons
06 - 4.2 oz thinly sliced salami
07 - 3.5 oz coppa or bresaola

→ Fresh Fruit

08 - 1 small bunch red grapes
09 - 1 small bunch green grapes
10 - 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
11 - 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
12 - 1 small handful dried apricots

→ Accompaniments

13 - 1/4 cup Marcona almonds
14 - 1/4 cup salted pistachios
15 - 1/4 cup Castelvetrano olives
16 - 1/4 cup cornichons
17 - 1/4 cup fig jam or quince paste
18 - Honeycomb or drizzle of honey

→ Crackers & Bread

19 - 1 baguette, thinly sliced and lightly toasted
20 - 1 box assorted crackers

# Method:

01 - Select an elegant, large round or oval board with a prominent rim.
02 - Arrange all cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, accompaniments, and crackers exclusively along the outer perimeter of the board, carefully following its shape.
03 - Leave the entire center section empty to highlight the board’s form and create a striking presentation.
04 - Alternate colors and textures for visual appeal, nestling items closely together along the edge.
05 - Place ramekins or small bowls for jam, honey, and olives as part of the perimeter.
06 - Serve immediately with cheese knives and tongs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you hired a professional caterer, but took only 25 minutes to create
  • Everyone feels special eating from a board this beautiful—it transforms an ordinary gathering into something memorable
  • You control every element, so you can cater to dietary preferences while keeping the elegance intact
  • The visual drama of that empty center somehow makes the food taste better, or maybe it just feels that way
02 -
  • The cheeses must be at room temperature, so remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before assembly. Cold cheese tastes muted and loses all its nuance and character. This is non-negotiable if you want people to actually taste how good these cheeses are.
  • Slice your pears and apples at the very last moment before serving. I learned this the hard way when I prepped everything an hour early and watched my carefully arranged pear slices turn an unappetizing brown. Toss them in lemon juice if you must prep ahead, but truly, just wait those extra five minutes.
  • The board's rim should be fully packed but not crushed together. Items should nestle and overlap, creating visual richness, but each element should be distinguishable. It's a balance between abundance and clarity.
  • Don't forget that people are going to rearrange as they eat. The first few bites will be from the places closest to them, so make sure every section of the rim is equally beautiful. You're not creating one hero section; you're creating 360 degrees of elegance.
03 -
  • Create visual balance by alternating colors strategically—place lighter cheeses opposite darker charcuterie, bright fruits next to muted nuts. Step back frequently and look at the whole board. Does your eye travel around the rim smoothly, or does it get stuck in one busy corner?
  • The empty center is your secret weapon. It's what transforms this from a pretty platter into something people remember. It says you have taste and confidence. Don't second-guess it and fill it in.
  • If you're serving this at a buffet or standing party, position the board on a tall table so people can access everything without hunching. This protects both the food and your guests' backs. Also, provide small forks or tongs for everything except the items in bowls—it's more elegant and more hygienic than fingers.
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