You don’t have to be a good cook to be a great host.
In fact, you don’t even have to like cooking.
What you do need is a desire to bring people together to connect, a want to serve your guests well, and a game plan for executing well.
If this sounds like you, pulling together a few complementary snacking boards is all it takes to host a gathering that brings people together and has them leaving with both their hearts and stomachs full.
I prefer several boards with each containing fewer options that complement each other well, rather than one big board that offers everything together. And, after hosting many gatherings, I believe that is what my guests prefer as well.
On a recent night hosting friends, I offered three boards, for which I bought all of the ingredients and did no cooking. Normally I like to at least bake for dessert, but this get-together followed a week of holiday cookie baking and decorating and I just didn’t have the time.
Here’s what I pulled together for a group of four, which is essentially a game plan and shopping list for you.
Have on hand a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and you’ve got a great get-together.
While I fully admit to not being the best snacking board designer, hopefully the photos will foster ideas for presentation.
Board 1 - Meats and Veggies
Three different meats - here I used prosciutto and two different types of salami
An assortment veggies - veggies are too often underrepresented on snacking trays and that is a mistake. I prefer cooked veggies to raw, especially when the snacking boards are in lieu of a sit-down meal. Grilled or roasted veggies can easily be purchased in the prepared foods section of your favorite market
Mini-bowls of cornichons, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and hummus
Board 2 - Cheese, Fruits and Nuts
Two types of cheese, one hard and one soft - here I used Manchego and Camembert
Two seasonal fresh fruits - it’s December so here I used sliced red pears and green grapes
One or two each of dried fruits and nuts - I only used Medjool dates here, but could have added a nut or one more dried fruit.
Board 3 - Sweet Treats
For a group of four or less, two dessert options are plenty - I chose two different cookie options here (chocolate chip and butter pecan), but you can also do one cookie and another baked treat or even a candy/chocolate option
For larger groups I offer a variety of baked goods and candy so people have choice
It’s fun to offer something where your guests can create their own, like the above cookie board made on a different occasion, where I baked chocolate chip, sugar and peanut butter cookies and offered two different types of frosting and sprinkles. Depending on their preferences, guests could eat the cookies plain or spread frosting on top with sprinkles, or even make a cookie cream sandwich. If baking is not your thing, buy the cookies, frostings and sprinkles. You can pull it all together in just a few minutes
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
Offer a variety of breads, crackers and crisp breads of different flavors, textures and sizes. While not shown here, in this particular instance I cut up slices of baguette and offered one type of crisp bread and one type of crackers
I always pre-cut everything so guests don’t have to fuss with cutting cheeses, fruits, cakes, etc.
While you don’t have to be, I’m a sucker for coordinated serving boards/platters. They don’t have to be expensive. However, if you host often like me and want to spend a little more because that’s your thing, I have to share with you the beautiful serving ware from Farmhouse Pottery in Vermont. They are great for gift-giving, too.
Happy hosting. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to answer them.