Happy Thanksgiving week friends! I love this holiday and the chance it gives us to sit back and reflect on all of our amazing blessings we have and for the wonderful people in our lives. It really is the most wonderful time of the year when you get to gather for so many holiday parties with your loved ones. I love to host parties and I think the whole atmosphere that you create from the table set up to the candles lit, music playing, and food you prepare all sets the tone for your guests and creates the mood you want them to have. That’s why I think a beautifully thought out table should go along with beautifully prepared food, but it doesn’t have to be hard. You can pick up some flowers at your local grocery store (I love trader joes) and then arrange them however you want in a small vase. You can even add some greenery from your own backyard. Then place a few candles on the table to set the mood and set the table with whatever neutral color of dishes and napkins you have. My favorite way to display napkins recently is to tie them in a knot and place them on the corner of the plate. This gives enough room on the plate to display a thankful card like this free printable I have for you. It’s always nice to have an appetizer ready for your guests to munch on while you’re getting the whole meal all ready and this charcuterie board is really easy! I have the instructions below for how I put one together. And one of my favorite fall desserts is this salted caramel apple crisp. It would be perfect to serve at thanksgiving and topped with vanilla bean ice cream, your guests will be begging for more! Hope you have a wonderful week.

HOW TO MAKE A CHARCUTERIE BOARD:

-start with placing your cheese on the board [I like to use three different ones - one strong flavor, one mild that’s soft, and one in small pieces for people to grab]

-next add in one sauce [honey is great, or a fig spread, or a veggie dip or honey mustard]

-then place your meats next to the cheeses [sliced slalomi is my go-to, or prosciutto]

-now fill in with your crackers [I like to use two different kinds for people to choose from or a fresh baguette works]

-and finally fill in with all the fresh or dried fruit you want as well as piles of mixed nuts

-you can also add a touch of fresh herbs to make the board look great

| INGREDIENTS |

CHEESE [brie, cheddar, pepper jack, goat cheese]

MEAT [salami, prosciutto, deli meats - ham, turkey, roast beef]

CRACKERS [2-3 different varieties]

FRUIT [fresh fruit and dried - grapes, apples, pears, pomegranate, apricot, berries, olives]

NUTS [almonds, pistachios, cashews, pecans]

SPREADS [jams, mustard, honey, cream cheese]