Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. It’s probably more commercial than we’d like to admit, but it still gives us a reason to stop for a minute and think about our moms. The ones who took care of us. Who loved us. Who were there every day.
That’s worth something.
If you’re spending the day together, this is an easy way to make it feel a little more special without turning it into a whole production. I like that. A simple charcuterie board. It just takes a little planning and a little time to set it up.
Nothing complicated here.
Start with the Meats and Cheeses
This is the base.
A couple of cheeses is plenty. Something soft like brie, something with a little bite like cheddar. Then add your meats. Salami works. Soppressata, prosciutto, whatever you can find that looks good.
Don’t overthink how you place it. Fold the meat, let it sit naturally. Cut the cheese or leave a wedge. It doesn’t need to look styled. It just needs to feel inviting.
Add Fruit and Nuts
Now you add some contrast.
Fresh fruit works best here. Grapes are easy. Strawberries if they’re in season where you are. Even sliced apples or pears.
Dried fruit gives you a different texture. Apricots are a good go-to. Dried pears work too.
Then a handful of nuts. Almonds, walnuts, whatever you have in the pantry. Just scatter them into the open spaces.
Finish with Crackers and Olives
This is the last layer.
Crackers can lean up against the cheese or sit in a small stack off to the side. Olives are nice in a small bowl, but they don’t have to be.
At this point, just step back and make a couple of small adjustments. Move something if it feels crowded. Give things a little space.
That’s it.
Done.
Ingredients
- Brie or another soft cheese
- Cheddar or a firmer cheese
- Salami
- Soppressata or prosciutto
- Grapes or seasonal fruit (strawberries, apples, pears)
- Dried fruit (apricots, pears)
- Almonds or walnuts
- Crackers
- Olives
Putting It Together
Start with the cheese and meat.
Fill in with fruit and nuts.
Add crackers and olives at the end.
You’re not building a centerpiece. You’re putting something on the table that people will keep coming back to.
And that’s really the point.
Something simple. Something you can share. A reason to sit a little longer and enjoy the day.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.