A Christmas Charcuterie Board for the Holidays

There’s something magical about a Christmas charcuterie board. Maybe it’s the way everyone gathers around it, lingering, nibbling, chatting, laughing. Or perhaps it’s how a board feels both special and easy at the same time. No one is rushing. No one is tied to the stove. The food invites connection, not perfection.

During the holidays, I love charcuterie boards because they fit the rhythm of the season so beautifully. They can be elegant or playful, indulgent or straightforward, and they adapt effortlessly to the kind of gathering you’re hosting, whether it’s a cozy night by the tree or a house full of friends stopping in throughout the day.

Today I’m sharing five Christmas charcuterie board ideas, each with its own personality and purpose. Think of these as inspiration, not instruction. Mix and match, swap ingredients, and let your board reflect your version of a good life.

This is the board that feels like Christmas the moment it hits the table. Rich colors, familiar flavors, and just enough indulgence to feel celebratory.

What to include:

• Cheeses: Aged cheddar, creamy brie, and a nutty gouda

• Meats: Prosciutto, salami, and peppered turkey slices

• Add-ins: Green and red grapes, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries

• Crunch: Rosemary crackers, toasted baguette slices, candied nuts

• Sweet touch: Fig jam or cranberry chutney

Our Good Life tip:
Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs throughout the board, not just for flavor, but for that unmistakable holiday scent and look. This board works beautifully for open houses or pre-dinner mingling.

The Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board

Dessert boards are pure joy. They feel festive, nostalgic, and a little whimsical, especially during Christmas.

What to include:

• Cookies: Gingerbread men, shortbread, chocolate crinkles

• Candy: Peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, candy canes

• Dippers: Marshmallows, pretzel rods, biscotti

• Fruits: Strawberries, apple slices, dried orange wheels

• Extras: Nutella, caramel sauce, or chocolate dip

Our Good Life tip:
This board is perfect after dinner with coffee or earlier in the evening for kids and adults alike. Set out small plates and let guests build their own sweet bite. It feels playful and relaxed, exactly how the holidays should feel.

A Cozy Christmas Breakfast Charcuterie Board

Christmas morning doesn’t need to be rushed or overplanned. A breakfast board allows everyone to graze at their own pace, especially helpful when some folks are up early, and others sleep in.

What to include:

• Pastries: Croissants, cinnamon rolls, mini muffins

• Proteins: Sliced ham, turkey sausage links, hard-boiled eggs

• Fruits: Berries, oranges, grapes

• Spreads: Butter, honey, cream cheese, fruit preserves

• Something special: Christmas jam, flavored syrup, or a holiday bread

Our Good Life tip:
Place this board near the coffee station. It becomes the natural gathering spot for quiet conversations, cozy pajamas, and the gentle hum of Christmas morning.

The Holiday Wine & Cheese Charcuterie Board

This board is ideal for evenings when you want something elevated but still unfussy. Think candlelight, soft music, and lingering conversations.

What to include:

• Cheeses: Blue cheese, triple-cream brie, manchego

• Meats: Soppressata, prosciutto, chorizo

• Pairings: Honeycomb, marinated olives, roasted nuts

• Bread: Crusty baguette, seeded crackers

• Wine accompaniments: Grapes, pears, dark chocolate squares

Our Good Life tip:
Label cheeses with small tags so guests know what they’re tasting. It encourages curiosity and conversation, two things I love about entertaining.

The Kid-Friendly Christmas Snack Board

Holiday gatherings often include little ones who need something familiar and fun. A snack board just for them feels thoughtful and keeps tiny hands happily busy.

What to include:

• Cheeses: Cubed cheddar or Colby-Jack

• Proteins: Mini meatballs, turkey roll-ups

• Crunch: Goldfish crackers, pretzels, popcorn

• Fruits: Apple slices, grapes, berries

• Treats: Yogurt-covered raisins, mini cookies

Our Good Life tip:
Use a large wooden board or tray and arrange foods in simple sections. This board can sit low on a coffee table or kitchen island so kids feel included in the celebration.

Making Charcuterie Part of Your Holiday Tradition

What I love most about Christmas charcuterie boards is how they invite people to slow down. No one asks what time dinner is. No one worries about being “on time.” Instead, everyone gathers, samples, chats, and lingers.

These boards don’t need to be extravagant. They just need to be thoughtful. Choose ingredients you enjoy. Use serving pieces you already have. Let the board reflect your home, your family, and the way you love to celebrate.

Whether you create one board or several throughout the season, charcuterie has a way of turning ordinary moments into meaningful ones. And at Christmas, that feels just right.

Here’s to gathering well, sharing generously, and savoring the season, one delicious bite at a time.