Planning an Event? What to Know Before Booking a Charcuterie Caterer

This guide is for event planners, hosts, and anyone organizing a special occasion who is considering professional charcuterie catering.

Whether you are planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a social gathering, this article will walk you through how to effectively plan and collaborate with a charcuterie caterer to create a memorable guest experience. This is not a DIY tutorial for making your own boards, but rather a planning resource to help you maximize the value and impact of working with a professional charcuterie team.

Planning an unforgettable event starts with the details that elevate the guest experience. Charcuterie catering is one of the most effective and visually impactful ways to delight your guests. I’m Mallory, the founder of Ozark Charcuterie, and I started my business by crafting custom charcuterie boards for weddings, showers, business events, and holiday gatherings. Over the years, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to making an event truly shine with curated, artisanal boards.

Hi, I'm Mallory, a Professional Charcuterie Caterer in Northwest Arkansas.

This step-by-step guide is based on my real-world experience and is designed to help you work with a professional caterer to plan a standout event using the charm and flavor of charcuterie.

Step 1: Define the Type of Event and Guest Count

Start with the basics. Is your event formal or casual? Indoors or outdoors? Daytime or evening? Understanding the tone of the event will help guide your food presentation. Then, confirm the expected number of guests. This number helps your caterer plan portions and layout.

If you have 10 to 20 guests, consider using a few platters or small boards. For 30 to 50 guests, charcuterie cups offer a perfect balance of portion control and ease. If your event has more than 75 attendees, a full grazing table becomes both a visual centerpiece and a practical way to serve many guests. These are recommendations, not rules! Your professional caterer should be able to help guide you in this area.

Step 2: Select a Professional Charcuterie Caterer

Partner with a local caterer who specializes in artisanal boards. Experience matters here. A skilled charcuterie caterer will bring flavor pairing knowledge, artistic presentation, and logistical support to your event. Ask to see their portfolio, and be sure they can accommodate your event size, dietary needs, and aesthetic preferences.

Ozark Charcuterie, for example, focuses on local sourcing, seasonality, and visual design to ensure each board feels unique and memorable. Choosing a reputable partner sets the foundation for a successful catering experience.

Step 3: Choose the Right Format for Your Setup

Charcuterie catering comes in several formats. Selecting the right one depends on your space, theme, and guest flow.

• Charcuterie Cups are ideal for walking events and mingling crowds. They are sanitary, portioned, and easy to grab without interrupting conversation.

• Platters and Boards work well for sit-down settings or events with moderate foot traffic. These are ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings.

• Grazing Tables are dramatic and beautiful. Perfect for weddings, large receptions, and corporate functions, they allow for layered presentations that wow guests and offer generous variety.

Step 4: Coordinate with Your Venue

Check in with your venue to confirm the space can support your chosen format. Consider where you will place the boards or table and how traffic will flow around them. You should ask if refrigeration is available, if tables can be provided, or if outdoor space includes shade.

If you are hosting at home, decide whether to use your kitchen counter, a dining table, or folding tables. Use crates, stands, or risers to add height and depth. These small layout choices elevate the visual appeal of your display.

Step 5: Design the Boards to Match the Theme

Customizing your charcuterie to align with the event theme adds elegance and creativity. For example:

• Use monogrammed toothpicks or wooden signs for weddings.

• Choose a seasonal color palette using berries in summer or dried citrus and herbs in winter.

• Incorporate florals or edible flowers to tie the food into your event’s decor.

Designs like charcuterie roses made from salami or curled cucumbers add beautiful flair. Many caterers can also create holiday-themed boards or ones that fit your corporate branding.

Step 6: Make Cleanup Simple and Efficient

Charcuterie setups are already low-maintenance, but a few smart tips can make post-event cleanup even easier:

• Lay down butcher paper on your table or counter before placing the boards. This acts as a barrier and can be quickly rolled up and tossed.

• If you are working with a countertop like marble or granite, lay down clear wrap or parchment paper to protect the surface without compromising the presentation.

• Choose disposable utensils, palm leaf plates, and compostable cups to minimize dishwashing and reduce waste.

Having trash and compost stations nearby ensures that guests can discard items easily without disrupting the layout.

Step 7: Add Complementary Elements to Enhance the Experience

Charcuterie catering is not just about the food. Make your event feel intentional by adding thoughtful extras:

• Set up a wine tasting station that pairs with the meats and cheeses. Ozark Charcuterie’s Wine Club is a great way to explore curated pairings that can complement your board.

• Offer guests a menu card or pairing guide that explains what is on the board and why it was chosen.

• Create a build-your-own charcuterie workshop station if the event is interactive, such as bridal showers or team-building events.

These additional touches create a sense of immersion and encourage guests to engage with the food and each other.

Step 8: Plan a Grazing Timeline

Food presentation should follow the flow of your event. If your gathering lasts multiple hours, consider staging the charcuterie:

• Begin with small charcuterie cups during the welcome hour.

• Introduce the main grazing table after initial mingling has calmed.

• Finish with a dessert board or sweet options to round out the evening.

This staggered approach helps prevent crowding, keeps boards fresh, and ensures there is always something appealing available throughout the event.

Step 9: Use Lighting and Layout to Set the Mood

Your charcuterie setup deserves to be highlighted. Use soft string lights, candles, or small spotlights to draw attention to the colors and textures of the food. Add greenery, herbs, or small floral arrangements around the boards to enhance the sensory experience.

Arrange the layout in a way that allows guests to move around easily. Avoid bottlenecks by having multiple access points and placing boards near natural gathering areas like bars or lounges.

Step 10: Collect Feedback and Take Photos

After the event, ask a few trusted guests or colleagues for their impressions. Was the layout intuitive? Were the flavors exciting? Did the format suit the venue and guest flow?

Also, be sure to take photos of the setup before the event begins. These will help with future planning and also serve as beautiful content for your business or social media.

Hosting a memorable event with charcuterie catering is easier than you think when you follow these clear, intentional steps. With the right planning and creative touches, your guests will remember an experience filled with flavor, community, and thoughtful detail.