Holiday Charcuterie Boards for New Neighbors and Old Friends Alike

No two snowflakes are alike, and we know the same is true of neighborhoods. As our newest Denver-area master planned community, we’re still watching as the residents of Lyric™ determine what shape their community takes — and we love what we’re seeing. No matter the taste of your household, we’ve got just the charcuterie board inspiration you need to kick off your holiday party right as you come together with your neighbors to shape the story of your street. Read on for details and try to keep your mouth from watering!
 
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
It’s said the eyes eat first, so we’ll kick off with a charcuterie board that is a feast for the senses. By carefully layering scrumptious finger foods — who doesn’t love Calabrese salami, Castelvetrano olives, and blackberries? — you’ll assemble a charcuterie board that looks like a beautiful-if-excessively-trimmed Christmas tree. For the perfect final touch, you’ll cut snowflakes out of cheese slices using a cookie cutter. It’s elaborate and a little absurd, but that’s all part of its charm.

Decadent Apricot and Cranberry Butter Board
A relative newcomer to the snack board scene, the butter board is quickly becoming a favorite because it comes together in minutes and is infinitely customizable. Starting with a thick smear of butter as the base — or an easily-spreadable cheese, like goat — the butter board is topped with fruit, chopped nuts, spices, or whatever else you fancy. Anything served with thick-cut artisan sourdough is bound to be a hit with anyone gathered in your great room, but if you’re new to the butter board game you could borrow this recipe and top your butter with apricot and cranberry jam.

Seasonal Charcuterie Board with Salami Roses
After you’ve made a few charcuterie boards, you’ll quickly realize that most are variations on a pretty consistent theme. A bit of cheese, some salty cured meat, maybe a few slices of crisp green apple — but you can always find some room to experiment. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try your hand at making edible roses out of salami and pepperoni. It’s not as complicated as it sounds you’ll just need a wine glass and a slew of cured meat. Once assembled, you’ll still want to add some of the regular suspects like a nice nutty gruyere, but a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds will make your charcuterie board that much more exciting.

Sweet Treat Holiday Board
Another twist on the standard board is to skip the savory elements all together, ditching any umami in favor of a glittering collection of confections. That’s not to say that a sweet charcuterie board isn’t without room for experimenting — try adding eggnog fudge or candied cranberries and watch your guests’ eyes light up with delight. Hopefully there will still be some sweet treats left at the end of the night to send home with the rosy-cheeked carolers!

It’s the season of warmth and community, and we wouldn’t want to keep you from getting to know your neighbors for even a second longer. If you’d like to move into an exciting new community full of movers, shakers and storytellers, visit us today to open the next chapter of your story at Lyric™. We hope your holiday season is full of memories fit to last a lifetime!