Ready-made spreads arrive arranged, according to hosting experts who share how to build the perfect charcuterie board

Boards for Different Occasions

The Williams Sonoma Marble Honeycomb Cheese Board has an etched pattern and gold-finished bee details. Matching cheese knives are sold separately, and a round version is available with knives included.

For a small spread, Emmy Rener of Sophisticated Spreads favors Mark & Graham’s scalloped marble board, which can be monogrammed. The brand recommends hand-washing it. A Mark & Graham wood-and-marble platter can also be personalized and includes three condiment bowls; its marble may stain with prolonged contact with oily or colorful foods.

Flexible Serving Options

Sarah Simms, co-founder of Lady & Larder, recommends a circular platter that is microwave- and dishwasher-safe and comes in white and aqua. A folding round board expands to provide four tiers, allowing foods to be separated, and has a drawer with cheese knives. The 13-inch version includes two knives, while the 17-inch version comes with an additional flat knife.

Ready-Made and Multi-Board Spreads

Boarderie sells assembled boards with artisan cheeses, meats, crackers, dried fruit, nuts and chocolates, shipped ready to eat. NBC Selected commerce editor Bethany Heitman says they arrive arranged, making them useful for feeding a crowd with little effort.

NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin says a set of three cutting boards can serve as charcuterie trays. Separate boards can accommodate meat, vegetarian and nut-free selections, while indents help keep rolling foods such as olives in place. Malin cleans them with warm water and dish soap.