‘Tis the season for parties and entertaining and hosting. Of course, that means that everyone’s favorite party platter—the charcuterie board—is back in town. It’s honestly the easiest way to throw things together and make it seem like you spent hours—when really it just takes all of 5 minutes. 

Cheese and crackers are great. But there are so many more different kinds of charcuterie boards you can put together. Doesn’t matter what kind of themed party you’re attending or throwing, there’s a charcuterie board that fits the bill. From take-out to chocolate and s’mores to fries, there are so many to choose from. These boards are the perfect holiday hostess hack. 

Related: This IG account may inspire you to add kid-friendly charcuterie boards into your mealtime rotation

10 charcuterie board themes for all your holiday entertaining

1. Take-out board

A take-out board is really a charcuterie board love letter to your favorite fast food restaurant. Go to your favorite place, order a little bit of everything (or the most popular items you know your guests love) and arrange it all on your board. 

2. Chocolate board 

I once saw a dark chocolate board AND a white chocolate board. Mix and match all kinds of chocolate or keep it simple with one reigning flavor. What will you choose? 

3. S’more board

This is especially great to keep in mind as the weather gets colder. As far as themed charcuterie boards go, you can’t beat a s’mores board in winter. Arrange a variety of crackers, chocolate bars, different-sized marshmallows and even some strawberries—yes, there are people who load up their s’mores with a surprise strawberry!

4. Fries board 

Some fast food places have interesting fry shapes. Grab them all and create a fry-lovers dream charcuterie board. You can also toss in a variety of store-bought, frozen fries in your oven. Don’t forget to include dipping sauces. 

5. Candy board

If you’re making this after Halloween then go ahead and use up all of that left-over candy you’ll end up hiding in the pantry from your children. A candy board doesn’t have to just be candy in wrappers. Think: candy corn, sour gummies, licorice. 

6. Appetizer board 

This board comes together in minutes with simple finger foods and small bites. From store-bought frozen foods like pizza bagels and egg rolls to meatballs and mini mac and cheese bites. Heat them up in your air fryer or oven then, lay them out on your board. 

7. Dried fruit and nuts board

A dried fruit and nuts board is a refined take on a snack board. One of the great things about it is that you can serve this board for any kind of party, at any time of day. The hardest part is deciding which fruits and nuts make the cut. 

8. Snack board 

You know those snacks your child reaches for after they claim they’re not hungry enough to eat the dinner you’ve been preparing for over an hour? Well, you can make the charcuterie board of their dreams with all their favorites! Grab Cheez-its, cookies, a variety of popcorn flavors, pretzels, goldfish, potato chips, spicy chips, oreos and all of the other snacks that are popular in your household. Store-bought snacks for the win.

9. Wings board 

You can go two ways with this one. Either order in different flavors of wings from your usual place or you can grab frozen packages from the store. Place your dipping sauces on the side in mini bowls. You can even add carrot sticks and celery sticks as well. 

Related: 10 holiday hacks to save you time—and stress

10. Cheese and crackers 

We can’t omit the OG board from our list of charcuterie board themes. If you’ve got the time (and the energy!) you can craft a top tier cheese board. I’m talking soft cheeses AND hard cheeses. Use olives, figs, pomegranates, persimmons and blackberries as garnishes around your board. Arrange rosemary, olive oil and sea salt crackers for an elegant finish.

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