Practical Magic Snack Board
For this particular board I had more of a color mood as inspiration. I wanted to pick items that fell into the purple or ruby category. That is why fruits like blackberries, pomegranates, and red table grapes were my main inspiration. They larger fruits serve as filler for the board.
Then came the cheese selection. At first I was on the hunt for a drunken goat cheese because it is delicious and has a deep purple rind. I was at Trader Joes so I couldn’t find it, but I did find a Toscana Cheese soaked in Syrah. Then I spotted a blueberry vanilla goat cheese, which was covered in a blueberry type jam. So the color was perfect and the taste was interesting, great with Pita crackers which cascaded down the board.
I also try to make one or two small things to add to the board. I simmered blackberries with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, until they cooked down, but not into a full jam. The blackberries were still whole, but infused with flavor. I spooned one into a pre-made
Cheese Options
Syrah Toscana Cheese
Drunken Goat Cheese
Blueberry Goat Cheese
Brie & Balsamic Blackberries in mini tarts
Other Items
Sweet Sopressata Slices
Mixed Greek Olives, Preferably with Purple Kalamata in the mix
Tri colored carrots (Purple, Orange & Yellow)
Fruit Filler
Figs/Grapes/Blackberries/ Whole Pomegranates
For Decor:
Mini White Pumpkins
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
Fav Snack Board Accessories
Cost Effective Entertaining Ideas:
1. Stock your freezer with ready to go appetizers that can be popped into the oven and ready in minutes for last minute guests. Everyone loves a pig in a blanket!
2. Stock up on 2-3 cheese selections that can be stored for a longer period in the fridge. Having options such as Parmesan, Asiago, or cheddar cheese are great selections.
3. Having ready-made dough or pie crust in the fridge or freezer can be a great time saver. Make a stuffed bread or Stromboli, a rustic galette, or a quick quiche for overnight guests.
4. Having some interesting jams, jellies, and spreads on hand can be helpful. Adding a fig jam, or a hot honey to a charcuterie board can instantly elevate it.
5. Have a stash of unscented pillar candles and tea lights. They create ambiance and a festive look at a moment’s notice.
6. Stockpile festive plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery. Makes clean up a little easier, with less dishes to do. Plus, it adds to your tablescape/décor without too much fuss!
7. Do a pantry inventory prior to the holiday season. Make sure your heaviest used spices are filled, and not expired. Maybe buy a little
8. Make simple syrup for cocktails or a fun extra for coffee at brunch. Simple boil equal parts sugar and water. Add a cinnamon stick while simmering for an extra festive twist.
9. Have some seasonal treats on hand. It doesn’t hurt to have stash of candy canes or some egg nog in the fridge. Candy canes double as décor for a dessert or hot chocolate display. Also, great to crush up and top a cheesecake or other simple dessert.
10. It’s always good to have a plain bag of popcorn on hand. It can be made more interesting by adding some truffle oil or everything bagel seasoning! It is an instant hit at a cocktail party or a Christmas movie binge night.
11. A bottle of prosecco typically is inexpensive, and a little bubbly instantly makes things feel festive.
12. Have a holiday playlist saved and ready to go! That way you aren’t searching for music or an appropriate Pandora station minutes before people arrive.
13. There is nothing worse than an overflowing garbage can. Except for having flimsy garbage bags that break under the pressure of a holiday party. If you know you are having a large gathering have industrial garbage bags on hand will save you a lot of messy headache.
14. Don’t count out your kid’s snacks! Arrange their crackers on the cheese board, take their fruit snacks out of the bag and place them in tiny bowls within a dessert board. Use their clementine’s as a centerpiece! No one will know the difference; it is all in how you arrange them!
15. Ditch expensive centerpieces and turn seasonal fruits into festive centerpieces. Add greenery from the floral section of the grocery store and your favorite platter for some beautiful DIY decor
Most of all remember the main goal of the holiday season is to spend time together. It in is not all about what is on the table, but who is around it. That is where the warm feeling comes from, the connection made through the time spent with those you love. Your children and family members will carry that in their hearts, not the expensive gift which will one day be cast aside.