Charcuterie Board Gift Basket Ideas

Charcuterie Board Gift Basket Ideas

If you're looking for a thoughtful, memorable present, we have charcuterie board gift basket ideas that provide the perfect solution. The possibilities for creating an amazing arrangement are practically endless, but we can help you get started with several tips for creating charcuterie board gift baskets.

We'll explore the many occasions perfectly suited to giving cheese gift baskets, including some of the themes you may consider. You'll also find out what to include in your cheese board gift basket and how to arrange the items. Smirly can help you get started with quality charcuterie boards that provide years of enjoyment at parties and other gatherings.

When to Give Charcuterie Board Gift Baskets

Just about any occasion is ideal for sharing a charcuterie board gift. Packed with a bountiful selection of goodies, a cheese board is always a welcome sight. Here are some of the occasions that are ideal for giving cheese gift baskets:
  • Birthdays
  • Mother's Day/Father's Day
  • Holidays
  • Anniversaries
  • Graduations
  • Housewarming Parties
  • Bridal Showers
  • New Baby Arrivals
  • Corporate Gift Exchanges
  • Get Well Wishes
  • Retirements

Themes for Cheese Gift Baskets

You may decide to compile classic gift basket goodies and arrange them artfully without theming your gift. If you're feeling more adventurous, you may be looking for innovative cheese board gift basket ideas. Following are some themes others have used to create their charcuterie board gift baskets:

  • Celebration Basket: Use mini balloons, cards and ribbons that proclaim your theme, such as "Happy Birthday," "Congratulations" or "Best Wishes." Dollar stores are a great place to find party favors and other decorations to add a little "wow" to your charcuterie board gift.
  • New Arrival: When mom and the new baby come home from the hospital, things can be pretty chaotic, and cheese basket gifts are a very welcome sight. To theme your basket, include elements like a small plush animal, pacifier or a onesie.
  • New Home: A housewarming cheese board gift basket might include a set of wine glasses for a celebratory toast — or a few kitchen utensils and dish towels to get the new homeowner started.

What to Include in Charcuterie Board Gift Baskets

There are some essentials that should be part of most charcuterie board and cheese basket gifts. Let's explore the full complement of cheese board ideas and the tasty morsels you can use to populate your gift basket.

What Cheeses Are Best?

Include three varieties — hard (like cheddar or manchego), soft (a la Brie or Camembert) and spreadable (such as cream cheese).

What Kind of Meat Should I Choose?

Include three varieties — hard (like cheddar or manchego), soft (a la Brie or Camembert) and spreadable (such as cream cheese).

Should I Include Fruit?

Sure! Grapes, cherry tomatoes and berries are ideal finger foods. Dried fruits are terrific because they won't spoil or turn brown quickly. Veggies are a nice addition, too – like cut-up carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.

How About Nuts?

Walnuts, pecans, almonds and pistachios are all tasty charcuterie board ideas for your gift basket. Sprinkle them around your fruit and cheese for a festive look.

What Type of Crackers Are Best?

Use an assortment of crackers to provide a range of textures and flavors. Breadsticks are also a nice addition to charcuterie boards. If you like, you can add cocktail bread, too.

How Do I Know What Spreads to Have?

Include hummus, jam, soft cheese or any other spreadable item that pairs well with other tidbits on your cheese board.

What Other Cheese Board Ideas Do You Have?

Many cheese gift baskets also include the following delectables:

  • Pickles & Olives: Gherkins and baby dill pickles are a good addition. Green and black olives are a nice touch. Naturally, olives should be the pitted variety.
  • Dark Chocolate: You don't have to include chocolate, but it does go well with just about everything.
  • Wine: Include a bottle of bubbly for celebration baskets. If you prefer, you can substitute sparkling grape juice.

Arranging Cheese Basket Gifts

Start with crackers and other foods that take up the most space, then work in the smaller morsels. Before you get too far into your charcuterie board's set-up, make room for any dishes that are going on the board. Otherwise, there are no absolutes here – just arrange the items in a way that's pleasing to the eye and partners the foods that go together.

For example, position the crackers and grapes next to the cheese. Walnuts and Brie complement one another, so put these two together. Hard cheeses should be sliced or cubed. Aesthetically speaking, if it makes sense, mix up the colors of your food for maximum eye appeal. When you're finished, wrap your cheese board gift basket in cellophane, tie a ribbon on the top, and you're ready to gift!

Bring Charcuterie Board Gift Basket Ideas to Life With Smirly Cheese Boards

Now that you've acquired some charcuterie board gift basket ideas, it's time to choose a base for your creation. That's where Smirly comes in. We have charcuterie boards in various sizes and configurations. From the basic cheese board to charcuterie boards with dishes and utensils, you'll find the ideal base for your gift basket at Smirly. Browse our selection and let us know how we can help!