Step 1

Grab your biggest serving board or platter then add bowls for things like olives, preserves or spreads and cornichons or nuts.

Step 2

Place the bowls on the board, spaced apart. I like to place the cheese down first. I sliced the firmer cheeses into thin wedges and batons.

Step 3

This makes it easier for each guest to serve themselves. Firm cheese can also be cubed. I prefer keeping soft cheese and blue cheese whole, just remember to add a little cheese knife to each cheese so it's easy for guests to slice a piece off for themselves.

Step 4

Add the meat. Fold or roll thinly sliced meats and place in between the cheese.

Step 5

Slice bread and place on the board along with crackers. I like to stack the crackers on their sides so it's easy to grab.

Step 6

Add the fruit and extras. Fill in any spaces with fruit, nuts, pickles and olives. Fill the bowls with some of these items as well as spreads.