Christmas tree charcuterie
Michelle Phetlhe | Wednesday December 17, 2025 06:14
It’s a time for reconnection, reflection, celebration, planning, laughter, and of course food. Because whether we admit it or not, food always finds a way to sit at the very canter of these moments. It becomes the focus around which stories are told, memories are shared, and the highs and lows of the year are unpacked.
Let’s be honest, not everyone is crowned “host with the most.” Not everyone is known for whipping up extravagant meals or dazzling guests with elaborate table settings. Some people are the planners, some are the vibe-setters, some bring drinks, and some just show up with good energy.
But if you’re not typically the one people look at when they ask, “So... what are we eating?” don’t stress. Truly, breathe. Because this year, the showstopper that will have your guests ooh-ing, aah-ing, and trying to decide whether to eat or admire is wonderfully simple. It’s delicious. It’s artsy. And best of all, it’s fast.
I’m talking about a Christmas cheese board, an edible masterpiece that looks like it belongs in a prestigious art gallery, the kind people stare at silently. Picture the elegance of well-cut cheeses, fresh fruits, the rustic charm of crackers, all arranged into a Christmas tree so beautiful it should honestly have its own carol.
This board gives everyone the freedom to choose what they want to nibble on, and it creates a landscape of flavours that suits every kind of palate, from the soft-cheese lover to the sharp-cheese enthusiast. And here’s the best part: building this beauty takes 20 minutes or less. I say that with confidence actual, lived confidence because I had about that amount of time before I needed to rush out the door to a nail appointment.
I was moving with speed, assembling like an artist under pressure, hoping for the best while glancing at the clock every thirty seconds. Not only did I finish in time, I even cut out an almost perfectly shaped cheese star for the top of the tree. I was impressed with myself.
The secret to making the board comes together so effortlessly lies in laying out all your ingredients before you start. Something magical happens when everything is in front of you, the colours, shapes, and textures seem to guide your hands. Suddenly the green of the grapes decides for you where it should sit. The soft cheeses find their place.
The crackers fan themselves out. Once your ingredients are ready, all you have to do is follow your instincts. And these ingredients are truly the stars of the show.
The cheeses, nothing beats a good, reliable mix, and my go-to trio consists of Parmalat Brei, Chedder and Gouda, Président, and Galbani Mozzarella.
Using these three brands ensures you have a variety of textures and tastes, from smooth and mild to rich and bold. No cheese board survives without an anchor, and Bakers Crackers are the backbone of this one.
They have the perfect crunch, hold their shape without getting soggy, and complement every cheese without overpowering it. They frame the board beautifully, making it look full, intentional, and festive.
Fresh fruits bring life to the board, and for Christmas you want vibrancy: red grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and a generous sprinkle of sparkling pomegranate seeds. If you’re feeling extra, dried apricots or cranberries add both colour and sweetness.
A handful of nuts—almonds or walnuts—adds texture, while sprigs of rosemary bring the unmistakable fragrance and charm of a Christmas wreath. When everything is on the table, the masterpiece practically builds itself.
Building the Christmas tree shape begins with the base. Each layer narrows as you move upward, creating the triangular tree silhouette. As you stack, alternate the cheese colours and textures so the board looks intentional and visually striking.
Between these layers, tuck in fruits, reds, greens, giving the tree depth and vibrancy. Then frame the board with crackers, fanning them out gently so they complement the shape of the tree rather than distract from it.
The moment of pride comes when you add the star. If you have a cookie cutter, wonderful. If not, a steady hand and a sharp knife can do the job. My star came out almost perfect which is more than enough for a board that will be devoured. Place it at the very top, nestle it in a little green, and let it shine.
A few sprigs of rosemary go in next, tucked like pine branches throughout the tree. Before you know it, you’re staring at something that looks like you spent hours crafting, even though you still had time to grab your keys and sprint to your next appointment.
This board works every single time because it’s versatile, effortless, and undeniably beautiful.
You can customise it for any dietary needs: swap in dairy-free cheeses, add more fruits, include chocolates or pretzels, omit meats if you want it entirely cheese-and-fruit focused. The result will still look luxurious.
And it’s photogenic. So photogenic, in fact, that guests will probably take pictures before they take bites. Beyond aesthetics, the board encourages interaction. People gather around it, pick their favourites, chat, laugh, and bond. Food becomes conversation, and conversation becomes connection. Isn’t that what the season is about?
Being a host whether it’s once a year or all the time doesn’t require perfection. It requires heart. It requires showing up. It requires offering something thoughtful. And this cheese board makes that easy.
You don’t have to be the most prepared person. You don’t need a culinary background or a beautifully curated kitchen. You just need a willingness to try, a few great ingredients, and faith in your own creativity.
As the days to Christmas tick down, allow yourself to enjoy the moments rather than stress over them. Let this board be a reminder that simplicity can be stunning, fast can be fabulous, and you, yes, you can absolutely shine.
Whether you’re hosting, visiting, gifting, or simply celebrating the end of another year, this cheese board will elevate the moment. It’s festive, delicious, charming, and unforgettable. Keep an eye on our Facebook page Chellzkitchen for more exciting festive dishes. .#MerryChristmas