Rich cheese, ripe figs and pumpkin-spiced almonds in tiny pumpkin bowls — this is the poetry that beckons crowds to the table.
Ivana Stojkovic Ristovski, founder of GRAZED (grazedbyivana.com), built a Thanksgiving board as welcoming as it is beautiful.
“Thanksgiving is all about gathering,” she says. “And a beautiful charcuterie board is one of my favorite ways to welcome a crowd.”
For fall, Ristovski takes inspiration directly from the season, incorporating richer flavors, warm colors and plenty of texture while keeping the board abundant and inviting.
Here, she tells us how to recreate her charcuterie magic:
• For a larger gathering, start with four to five cheeses, choosing different milk types, textures and flavor profiles so there is something for everyone. On this board, I used wine-aged cheddar, aged Mimolette and truffle sheep’s milk cheese. Round out your selection with a soft, creamy cheese and a goat’s milk cheese for contrast. Local specialty markets like Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace are a great destination for discovering seasonal and specialty cheeses; don’t be afraid to ask the cheesemonger what is tasting particularly good that time of year. Nino’s carries more than 300 cheeses, including domestic and imported selections.
• For meats, choose two to three varieties with different flavor profiles. 24-month-aged Prosciutto di Parma and peppered salami offer a beautiful balance of delicate and bold.
• Then, bring in the season. Fresh figs, pomegranate, deep red grapes and halved mandarins add sweetness, texture and rich autumn color. Caper berries, cornichons and olives provide a briny counterpoint, while honey and pumpkin-spiced almonds add warmth and sweetness. For a simple Thanksgiving detail, hollow out miniature pumpkins and use them as serving vessels for the almonds or other small accompaniments.
• When assembling a large board, place your cheeses first and build outward, distributing meats, fruits and accompaniments throughout so guests can reach something from every side. Finish by tucking fresh sage and thyme into the open spaces.
• Most importantly, embrace abundance. Layer colors, shapes and textures rather than striving for perfection. A great Thanksgiving board should feel generous, inviting and made for gathering.