Crafting the perfect charcuterie board for corporate events

In the past decade or so we’ve seen a rising trend in charcuterie board popularity; their aesthetic appeal, customisation options and socialisation aspect have made them all the more common for a variety of events. 

Whether you’re hosting a networking event, office warming party, or team-building session, charcuterie boards offer both an air of sophistication and visual appeal that are sure to elevate your event to the next level. 

In this blog, we will be discussing how to craft the perfect charcuterie board for your corporate event and how Robert & Victor are your ideal Manchester caterer to provide your perfect experience.

What are Charcuterie Boards?

Charcuterie boards originate from France and are typically an appetiser made up of a selection of cheeses, and cured meats, along with breads, fruits, nuts, and spreads. Charcuterie boards are most famous for their presentation, served on a wooden board with each element arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. 

What makes charcuterie boards ideal for a corporate event, however? Here are a few reasons.

1. Aesthetic Appeal: One of the biggest pulling factors in hosting with a charcuterie board is the visual attractiveness of the presentation. Each element is carefully arranged in a way that draws your attention and acts as the focal point of your table.

2. Customisation Options: The beauty of a charcuterie board is that it can appeal to anyone. Whether you’re catering to meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans, or those with dietary restrictions, your board can be tailored perfectly to your guests. You decide exactly what you want on your board.

3. Socialisation: The idea of all your guests gathering around to pick from a board encourages socialisation with one another, perfect for corporate events where networking is key and ice needs to be broken.

4. Stress-Free Service: Another great aspect of charcuterie boards is that they can be prepped ahead of time so that you aren’t stressing over service in the middle of your event. Better still, charcuterie boards are self-service, meaning you can leave your guests to graze at their leisure, giving you more opportunities to socialise without the stress of serving. 

So now we know the benefits of charcuterie boards, let’s take a look at how to craft your perfect board for your corporate event. 

 

Planning your Charcuterie Board

Before any event, planning is crucial in saving you time, money and energy in the long run. So, what should you be considering for your event?

Know your guests

When planning anything where food is being served, it’s vital to understand your guests and their needs. One of the most important aspects is knowing their dietary requirements. This can include vegetarianism, veganism, gluten intolerance, or religious restrictions such as halal. 

Before confirming any food, it can be a good idea to send out a short survey to guests asking them to state any dietary restrictions they have. 

What type of event are you planning?

Charcuterie boards are known for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any event, however, it can still be helpful to have an idea of the style you are aiming for. 

For more formal occasions, such as networking events, you may want a sleek and professional presentation. For more relaxed occasions, such as team-building events, you may want to go with a more rustic and relaxed style of board. 

Portion planning

The last problem you want to run into when hosting an event is either a lack of food or a large abundance of leftovers. Ensure you know exactly how many people you plan on attending and provide your portions accordingly. 

At Robert & Victor, our charcuterie boards serve anywhere from 8 to 80 people, depending on what style you go for. For example, our vegan board serves a minimum of 8 people, whereas our main charcuterie board serves a minimum of 12 people. 

Building Your Board

Typically, a charcuterie board is made up of 5 key elements; cheeses, meats, accompaniments, breads/crackers, and garnishes. Each element should have a mix of type, texture, and flavour. Here’s your guide to each component:

Cheeses

It is important to have a variety of cheeses that include a mix of flavour, texture and milk source, for example, cow, goat, or sheep.

We would recommend that you include at least one of each:

• Soft cheese: Brie or Camembert
• Hard cheese: Cheddar or Gouda
• Blue cheese: Stilton or Roquefort
• Fresh cheese: Goat’s cheese or Mozzarella

Meats

Depending on your guests’ restrictions, meats are the most sought-after component of a charcuterie board. Ensure to include a mixed variety to satisfy your guests’ palates:

• Cured Meats: Prosciutto or Salami
• Pâtés: Chicken liver pâté
• Spicy Options: Nduja or Spicy Salami

Accompaniments

Between your larger elements such as your meats and cheeses, it’s important to fill the gaps with a range of accompaniments ranging in a variety of flavours and textures, such as:

• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios
• Fruits: Grapes, figs, and dried fruits such as apricots work well
• Condiments: Sauces and chutneys such as mustard, honey and orange chutney
• Pickles: Pickled everything; onions, olives, garlic, and cornichons (tiny pickles)

Breads/Crackers

Provide a variety of breads and crackers to complement your various meats and cheeses:

• Breads: Sourdough, baguettes, and ciabatta
• Crackers: Plain, herb, or cheese crackers offer variety

Garnishes

The final cherry on the cake for charcuterie boards is the garnishes. They add that final flare that elevates your board to the next level. Opt for:

• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or Thyme
• Edible Flowers
• Microgreens

Assembling the Board

Finally, it’s time to assemble. As presentation is key, this is the most crucial step in ensuring success.

The Board

A signature of a charcuterie board is the board. Here, consider the amount of guests (and therefore the amount of food). Typically, a charcuterie spread is served on a wooden board, although you could opt for a slate or marble platter. 

Arrangements

With the board in place, start by arranging your larger items such as the meats and cheeses. Fill the gaps with the various accompaniments, breads/crackers, and finally, top off with your garnishes. Balance things like textures, colours, and flavours for an even spread across the board. 

 

Manchester Event Caterers

Although crafting your own charcuterie board can be a fun and exciting experience, alleviate the stress and pressure when planning your corporate event by hiring a professional Manchester catering company to do the hard work for you. 

At Robert & Victor, we are charcuterie catering experts, providing you with the perfect event experience, from the food to the service. We have an extensive menu that is sure to fit any occasion, including a range of charcuterie platters from vegan and vegetarian, to a meat lover’s dream. 

Browse Our Menu for a full breakdown of our catering options.

We pride ourselves on our expertise and efficiency, guaranteeing to make your event unforgettable. We can even provide service staff and a mobile bar to elevate your special occasion. 

If you are planning a corporate event in Manchester, we are your ideal partner to help bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us today to kickstart your perfect event.