1. Start with the Board
Use a wooden board, marble slab, or even a large plate. Heart-shaped boards work great, but any shape is fine.
2. Choose a Color Theme
Valentine’s boards usually lean toward red, pink, and white, but what matters most is that the board feels cohesive. Adding gold or silver accents makes the board feel more luxurious.
3. Pick Your Core Items
Mix sweet and savory so there’s something for everyone. A good rule of thumb is to use three cheeses and three meats. Aim for a mix of hard and soft cheeses, like Gouda, Brie, and goat cheese. Choose meats that are easy to eat, like prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni. A fun trick is to fold your salami into roses.
4. Add Valentine's Sweets
Indulgence is romantic. Add sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles, or heart-shaped chocolates.
5. Fresh Fruit & Extras
Ingredients like fresh fruits, tangy spreads, and salty nuts add variety to your board. Fruits like strawberries and raspberries fit nicely on a board, and their rich red hue fits the Valentine's theme. Nuts like almonds and pistachios add a salty crunch.
6. Crackers & Crunch
Choose two to three crackers or breads to accompany your meats and cheeses. Make sure the flavors complement your board.
7. Arrange the Board
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Place the cheese first
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Add meats and sweets
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Fill the gaps with fruit
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Add small bowls last for dips, spreads, or nuts
Tip: Arrange items in curves instead of straight lines for a soft, romantic look.
Remember, a beautiful Valentine’s board doesn’t need everything. A few items done well look better than overcrowding.