How is it possible that July 4th is already here? The weathers getting warmer, our grills are heating up and we…are already looking for some ways to mix up our outdoor dining menu. How would it feel to have something in your pocket that requires no heat, a quick grocery trip and just a few VERY simple steps to be elegant, festive and crave able? I’d say- that’s something we’re all craving right about now! Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed something about the way I’ve been planning events. I fall deeply in love with all the of the creative custom touches, but when it comes down to it there’s only one of me and not enough prep hours. It’s not an option for me to not make the table beautiful, it’s my favorite creative outlet! So what does that mean? I need to find ways to simplify the process so that I get beauty (and confidence in what I’m serving) easier!

Charcuterie is a household favorite, especially now! We all love the way it almost magnetically brings people together, the way it allows people to have a custom eating experience, and the way we can feed a crowd without any heat. Can I hear an AMEN?! The Summer seems to be a different story though. As I was preparing for a July 4th potluck lunch, thinking of what to make, instantly I thought of a red, white and blue patriotic charcuterie. As I thought of what to put on it to highlight those colors I turned to google.

Hear me out here- I never want to shade someone else’s creativity. However some of the things I noticed as I searched are worth considering as you go to design your own boards. While beautiful, many of the ingredients that filled these boards weren’t intentionally seated. Here’s what I mean by that: There was gummy candy next to salami, spreads and jams that didn’t pair with anything else on the board, and overall ingredients picked for color but NOT for ‘eatability’. Why does this matter? Guests don’t just eat with their eyes, they also eat with their stomachs! I took this as a challenge to not just theme the colors but also theme what went on the board and ended up with a fruit and nut board pairing, and it was divine!

DIY Patriotic Charcuterie:

Here is what you need to know about creating your own board this season:

The sky is the limit! Truthfully, if you want to spend $200 and go all out GREAT! If you want to add some of your favorite blackberry jam GREAT! I am going to provide you with the basics and the easiest to find ingredients as a solid base.

This board is incredibly simple to make gluten free! All you need to do is buy gluten free crackers…done!

The part that makes this whole board come together is the cheddar slice stars! If you don’t have a star cookie cutter, either get one linked below OR print out a star and trace/cut out.

You can adjust the quantities to meet any size crows. This list feed approx. 10 people for a snack size portion

Let’s get designing:

Here’s what you’ll need

Supplies:

15 x 10 inch charcuterie board: I like this size for a group of around 10 but larger is always great!
Cheese knife trio for serving

Red:

Thinly sliced watermelon w/rind
Strawberries some whole, some sliced w/ greens left on
Prosciutto
Large deli salami
(Optional) Raspberries, dried strawberries, raspberry jam, sweet pepper jelly

White:

Mozzarella slices
Manchego cheese (cut in thin triangles)
Brie Cheese (cut in wedges)
Cashews or granola clusters
Parmesan crisps
Gluten free crackers
(Optional) Cheese cubes

Blue:

Dark purple grapes
Dark red cherries
Blackberries
Blueberry goat cheese log
(Optional) Blackberry jam, dark purple dried or fresh figs

Map out your board roughly into thirds and assign one segment to each color. Lay down the largest items in each section first, and arrange working biggest to smallest. I find that the boards end up the most beautiful when each small ingredient has two piles (i.e strawberries in two places instead of one). This should come together easily with very minimal cutting! For the stars, get thinly sliced WHITE cheddar, and cut out stars with a star shape cookie cutter and stagger them on top!

My hope is that you see how decadently and beautifully you can arrange a dish you are proud to serve with EASE! Are you planning to make this for this July 4th, do you have questions? DM us on Instagram @gatherintentionalliving and we’ll help you take the steps you need towards confidence!