Charcuterie boards and serving platters are often grouped together, but they serve different purposes.
Choosing the right one isn’t about formality or trends — it’s about how food is arranged, shared, and enjoyed.
This guide breaks down the serving options across our Boards & Servings collections, explaining when each works best and why.
Hand-Crafted Statement Boards
Best for: centrepiece moments, generous spreads, entertaining
Statement boards are designed to anchor the table. Larger in scale and visually striking, they’re ideal when the board itself becomes part of the experience.
Use them when:
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Hosting groups or gatherings
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Serving a varied spread (cheese, meats, bread, fruit)
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You want one central piece people gather around
Why they work:
Their size allows ingredients to be spaced properly, avoiding overcrowding. They suit relaxed, social serving where guests help themselves over time.
Classic Charcuterie Boards
Best for: everyday entertaining, balanced spreads
Classic boards are versatile, familiar, and easy to use. They’re often rectangular or gently shaped and suit most charcuterie needs.
Use them when:
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Serving cheese and cured meats for small to medium groups
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Putting together a tidy, well-proportioned board
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You want something practical that still looks good on the table
Why they work:
They strike a balance between function and presentation, making them a reliable go-to for regular use.
Pizza & Round Serving Boards
Best for: sharing, informal meals, single-focus serving
Round boards naturally suit food that’s cut and shared, such as pizza, flatbreads, or baked camembert.
Use them when:
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Serving pizza, bread, or tarts
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You want equal access from all sides
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Hosting casually — less structure, more flow
Why they work:
The circular shape encourages sharing and works particularly well on crowded tables where space is limited.
Mixed-Material Serving Platters
(Wood with stoneware bowls, slate, or inlays)
Best for: composed serving, statement presentation
These are true statement pieces, combining wood with stoneware bowls, slate panels, or multiple inlaid materials.
Use them when:
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Serving dips, olives, nuts, oils, or condiments alongside other foods
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You want separation without extra dishes
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Hosting where presentation matters
Why they work:
Different materials serve different functions — bowls hold loose or wet items, slate suits cheeses, and wood frames the whole piece. Ideal for intentional, well-planned spreads.
Condiment & Sectioned Boards
Best for: structure, portioning, organised serving
Sectioned boards are designed for clarity and order. They guide where food sits and help keep flavours separate.
Use them when:
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Serving chutneys, sauces, antipasti, or tasting elements
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Catering to multiple preferences
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Creating a neat, organised table
Why they work:
They remove guesswork and reduce mess, especially useful for family tables or mixed dietary needs.
Walnut Serving Platters
Best for: refined serving, smaller group dining
Walnut platters are prized for their rich tone and fine grain, making them quietly luxurious without being showy.
Use them when:
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Serving cheese, desserts, or bread
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Hosting smaller, considered gatherings
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You want something understated but special
Why they work:
They elevate simple food and suit occasions where restraint and quality matter more than scale.
Slate Cheese Boards
Best for: cheese-led serving, clear labelling, cool surfaces
Slate boards are ideal when cheese is the focus and presentation needs to be clean and precise.
Use them when:
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Serving a curated cheese selection
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Labelling cheeses directly on the board
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Pairing with wine or tasting menus
Why they work:
Slate stays cool, contrasts beautifully with cheese, and allows for chalk labelling — practical and elegant.
So… Board or Platter?
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Choose a charcuterie board when the food is loose, varied, and shared freely.
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Choose a serving platter when structure, separation, or a composed presentation matters.
Many households find that owning a small selection — rather than one do-everything piece — makes hosting easier and more enjoyable.
