So Not Bored with My Board
Extravagant cheese boards are all the rage right now. It’s inspiring to see boards where every inch is covered with edible yummies rather than just a few crackers alongside slices of apple and pear. I’ve found that boards are more than just a trend—they are a versatile tool for the modern host.
I often use my wooden cutting boards to create "board sauces" for grilled goodies. I sprinkle the wood with herbs, spices, garlic, and olive oil. When the grilled meat or poultry comes off the heat, it goes immediately onto the board to be rolled in those flavors and tented to rest. In this way, the board functions as the flavor-infuser and the main serving dish.
Beyond the First Course
My brain used to go automatically to utilizing boards for "appys," allowing guests to dig in while we sip wine in advance of a seated supper. Recently, I created a bruschetta board with roasted garlic bulbs, whole olives, chunks of cheese, and roasted shrimp. It was an extension of a cheese board, but still limited to the first course.
But things have changed! My super talented and creative daughter-in-law, Kimber, has taken board entertaining to the next level. She uses her boards not only to creatively display food, but also to serve her casually elegant meals family-style.
The Gift in Use!
A Family-Style Revolution
It all started with a gift. For Christmas a couple of years ago, Kimber added a wooden board to her wish list. Ever the over-achiever, I purchased the largest board I could find—it’s over three feet long! It hid in the garage for a while, perhaps a bit overwhelming, but now it is the centerpiece of her dinner parties.
She uses it for everything from a steakhouse supper to a roasted veggie extravaganza. It’s attractive, yes, but it also supports the "picky eater." By putting all the food on one board in the center of the table, guests can pick and choose exactly what they want—whether they are gluten-free, carb-deniers, or simply specific about their portions.
The Art of the Board: Relaxed and Unhurried
The Easy Host
Serving on a board is a natural conversation starter. Guests ask where the recipes came from or how things were prepared. It makes entertaining less formal and more engaging than a traditional sit-down plated dinner. Most importantly, it’s easy! Instead of carrying several courses back and forth, you carry the board.
The dinner becomes what it was always meant to be: relaxed and unhurried. Whether for large groups or small intimate gatherings, you can be as creative as you want. There are no restrictions, and I find that when I entertain with my board, I am never bored.
From the Memoir to the Kitchen
Ready to move beyond basic cheese and crackers? To create a truly "gorgeous" spread that combines Southern hospitality with the family-style ease I described, explore our Master Blueprint for the Southern Charcuterie Board—featuring our signature Pimento Cheese and Deviled Eggs.