When my husband and I tied the knot last year, we didn't want anything lavish. Both of us did the big wedding and reception thing with our first spouses. This time around, we wanted a home wedding, complete with an intimate reception in the backyard. For the reception, we chose to hire a local caterer. From the first meeting, we knew the caterer would make sure everything was perfect. She came up with a menu that allowed for the dietary needs of our varied group of friends. She designed and ordered the cake, and even took care of setting up the tables and chairs. All we had to do was show up. If you and your beloved are planning something simple at home, it pays to work with the right caterer. Let me share how we worked with ours, and why we would do it again without hesitation.
If you're looking for a creative and filling way to keep guests satisfied from the beginning to the end of a special event, consider serving charcuterie boards. The boards are also very versatile, in that they work for everything from brunch to cocktail hour small plates.
Charcuterie boards typically consist of a mix of fresh produce and savory snack items, such as sliced cheeses, deli meats and sausage, any type of nuts, bread, crackers, and a variety of condiments. They also can contain fruit and vegetables, including grapes, melon bites, baby carrots, and cherry tomatoes.
The food is traditionally served in an aesthetically pleasing way on either a wood or marble board tradition, and one may be placed at each guest table. Attendees can make up their own plates and enjoy the snacks as they mix and mingle.
Charcuterie boards are appropriate to serve at a wide range of special events, including birthday and holiday parties, anniversary and graduation celebrations, family reunions, bridal and baby showers, and wedding receptions. Depending on your party-planning budget and the size of your guest list, you can either make the boards yourself or have a catering company make them.
Here are some charcuterie board tips for your next special event:
1. Choose a Variety of Meats and Cheeses
One of the most attractive things about charcuterie boards is that it offers people a variety of options from which to choose. Tempt guests' taste buds with a sampling of pre-sliced meats, such as prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and ham. Go with all gourmet or all classic meats, or include a sampling of both types. Also, if you have vegans or vegetarians in the crowd, include a meat-free protein option, such as soy-based turkey or ham slices, or hardboiled eggs.
When it comes to cheeses, opt for a mix of hard and soft varieties, including creamy Havarti, gouda, mild and sharp cheddars, and Manchego. Place similar types of cheeses together, so that guests are able to differentiate between them easier.
2. Include Snack Items
Include a few different snack items that attendees can enjoy along with the meat and cheese. For instance, include pita chips, breadsticks, and pretzels on the spread. Sliced freshly baked French or Italian bread is another option.
Nuts, including cashews, honey-roasted peanuts, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios, as well as a mix of fresh produce, will round out the boards. Other options include gourmet black and green olives, dark chocolate squares, scones, and homemade preserves.
Share13 December 2022
