Ingredients
A variety of cheeses: soft, hard, aged, blue, or experimental
Fresh or dried fruit
Nuts or seeds
Crackers, bread, or toasts
Jams, honey, or chutney
A few squares of chocolate (optional)
Whatever else is lingering deliciously in your fridge
Instructions
Start with the Cheese
Place cheeses around the board, giving each type its own little zone. Mix textures and milk types — this is the moment to try something new. Don’t be shy about asking your cheesemonger for suggestions.Fill the Gaps
Add fruit, nuts, and other accompaniments in the spaces between. You want a little bit of everything scattered organically — it should feel abundant and loose, not overly styled.Make It Pretty
Balance color and texture across the board. Stack, scatter, and tuck — just make sure it’s not all flat. Garnishes like herbs or edible flowers can be a nice touch, but not necessary.Serve and Enjoy
Let cheeses come to room temp before serving. Pair with wine, bubbly water, or whatever your table calls for. Have fun — and let the board evolve with the seasons and your fridge.