You have some great suggestions.

I also like smoked salmon (not lox - the type of that is smoked for longer) to put on crackers with cream cheese and capers. It’s a go to for parties where I’m from in the PNW because we have such good wild salmon.

I also love tzatziki dip with veggies and pita - tangy and a bit lighter than many other dips.

Someone else mentioned fruit - i always use clementines to round out a board, peeled and maybe quartered. They always disappear

Hummus

Candied nuts and/or nut and pretzel mix

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just make sure to have a balanced board, not more cheese than anything else. And enough crackers or something to put the cheese on.

And no onion jam.

What if OP’s family loves cheese more than anything else?

No, the people on here have rather narrow opinions about the right ways to do things.

Anonymous wrote:Just make sure to have a balanced board, not more cheese than anything else. And enough crackers or something to put the cheese on.

And no onion jam.

What if OP’s family loves cheese more than anything else?

Just make sure to have a balanced board, not more cheese than anything else. And enough crackers or something to put the cheese on.

And no onion jam.

The woman behind That Cheese Plate has great combinations and presentations to choose from. AND she has books and Instagram/online content. https://www.instagram.com/thatcheeseplate/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get the book “Beautiful Boards.” Tons of eye-appealing options that you can tailor to your family’s tastes.

Lol. Or.... Instagram

Sorry if books are too “old school” for you.

Some people like having a hard copy picture to prop up in the kitchen, instead of having to search the internet and look at your phone screen in the kitchen.

I don’t even have a Pinterest account. But I would not laugh at you for preferring that.

Anonymous wrote:Do a mediterranean theme with grape leaves, baba ghanoush, etc.

That sounds good.

The relatives might also be looking forward to the same thing as last year.

I don’t care for 90% of the charcuterie ingredients. It must be just me.

Anonymous wrote:Get the book “Beautiful Boards.” Tons of eye-appealing options that you can tailor to your family’s tastes.

Lol. Or.... Instagram

I am a huge fan of herb roasted and candied nuts, especially paired well with cheeses. This might be old fashioned but an endive leaf with a bit of blue cheese, a candied pecan and a drizzle of honey works well! Also--go adventuresome with the pickles!

Anonymous wrote:New poster here.
Somewhat off topic but . . .

What is the difference between a charcuterie board, an antipasto platter, and a deli tray?

Interesting question. My two cents:

deli tray - deli meats including turkey, ham, roast beef, salami, sliced cheese with the point to use these items to make sandwiches

antipasto platter - sliced salamis, proscuitto, marinated mozzarella balls, maybe another cheese, briny veggie accompaniments like marinated mushrooms, artichoke hearts, peppadews, cornichons, etc. all italian in nature.

charcuterie - once upon a time was mostly focused on cured meats and cheeses, with crackers. but it has evolved to become the mothership of all of this. meats, cheeses, fruits (dried and fresh), veggies, jellies, mustards, crackers, baguette slices, nuts, etc. the ultimate snacking board.

Anonymous wrote:New poster here.
Somewhat off topic but . . .

What is the difference between a charcuterie board, an antipasto platter, and a deli tray?

Charcuterie: Instagram-worthy
Deli: Affordable, can be purchased in any grocery store deli section
Antipasto: Italian fare

New poster here.
Somewhat off topic but . . .

What is the difference between a charcuterie board, an antipasto platter, and a deli tray?

Praline pecans!