5 Tips for Making a Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Cheese & Charcuterie Board for the Holidays

When building a charcuterie board, I always follow the rule of three: a good cheese, a seasonal fruit, and a handful of nuts. These three elements create balance and variety without overwhelming you (or your guests) with choices. My trick is to focus on what’s in season or what I can pick up from a local vendor or farmers’ market. For example, in the fall, I might opt for figs or pears paired with a creamy goat cheese and some lightly salted almonds. Bonus points if you go for local, organic options—you’ll cut down on packaging and transportation, which is a win for the planet.

Cheese is the star of the show, so don’t skimp! For an eco-friendly touch, visit a local cheesemonger or farmer’s market. Not only are you supporting small businesses, but you’re also likely to find cheeses that are sustainably produced. Depending on the size of your party, I’d suggest selecting a few cheeses with different textures: maybe a soft Brie, a firm aged Gouda, and a funky blue cheese for the adventurous types. Keep in mind that cheese should be served at room temperature to bring out its full flavor—so plan ahead!

Nuts add the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy cheeses and juicy fruits. I typically choose nuts that are out of their shells and easy to grab. Almonds, walnuts, or even pecans work great. And here’s a pro tip: add a little spoon or scoop for the nuts to avoid cross-contamination and sticky fingers. Keeping things easy to eat is key for a successful board—especially when you’re serving onboard a yacht, where we like to keep things classy yet practical.

Nuts add the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy cheeses and juicy fruits. I typically choose nuts that are out of their shells and easy to grab. Almonds, walnuts, or even pecans work great. And here’s a pro tip: add a little spoon or scoop for the nuts to avoid cross-contamination and sticky fingers. Keeping things easy to eat is key for a successful board—especially when you’re serving onboard a yacht, where we like to keep things classy yet practical.

Here’s where you can really have fun and let your creative stewardess skills shine! Use seasonal items like mini pumpkins, colorful leaves, or even sprigs of rosemary to decorate your board. Add a variety of textures and colors with extras like crackers, honey, mustard, cured meats, and maybe a few indulgent chocolates. Not only do these items elevate the visual appeal, but they also offer a wider range of flavors for your guests to explore. And don’t be afraid to go minimal with packaging—buy in bulk when possible and cut down on waste by serving everything in reusable or compostable containers.

Here’s where you can really have fun and let your creative stewardess skills shine! Use seasonal items like mini pumpkins, colorful leaves, or even sprigs of rosemary to decorate your board. Add a variety of textures and colors with extras like crackers, honey, mustard, cured meats, and maybe a few indulgent chocolates. Not only do these items elevate the visual appeal, but they also offer a wider range of flavors for your guests to explore. And don’t be afraid to go minimal with packaging—buy in bulk when possible and cut down on waste by serving everything in reusable or compostable containers.

Now, for that extra touch of sophistication—pick a wine that hails from the same region as your cheese. This simple pairing trick not only elevates the flavors but also makes you look like a culinary genius. Whether it’s a crisp Sancerre with your goat cheese or a bold red with your aged cheddar, the wine brings everything together. And when it comes to being eco-friendly, try to source organic or biodynamic wines. You’ll be serving your guests something delicious while keeping Mother Nature happy.

By following these five tips, you’ll not only create a stunning cheese and charcuterie board but also make choices that are kinder to the planet. It’s all about reducing packaging, buying local, and using seasonal produce—and doing it in style. I hope this helps take the stress out of your holiday planning, leaving you more time to enjoy the party (or maybe sneak off for a quick sunset sail)!