Step 1

Begin by placing any bowls, dishes, or cups on your chosen board, spacing them far apart. This could include spreads, dips, jellies, garnishes, olives, etc.

Step 2

Place the meat in either piles or rows. Keep meats separate and at opposite sides of the board, if possible.

Step 3

Next, arrange cheese near meats in piles or rows, in between the meats.

Step 4

Arrange bread and crackers in easy-to-reach places where they'll be most used, like around dips or jams.

Step 5

Fill in the "holes" with fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and garnishes.

Step 6

Review the board arrangement and make sure that flavors alternate well (sweet to savory, mild to salty to spicy, etc) and no food of the same color is close together.

Step 7

Serve immediately.