Charcuterie Board Essentials: 9 Tools for Holiday Snack Boards (2026)
Boards, knives, picks and little bowls for Thanksgiving appetizers, Friendsgiving and Christmas parties.
A charcuterie board is the easiest holiday appetizer there is. There's no cooking, it looks impressive, and guests can graze while the turkey rests. The trick is having the right board and a few small tools so everything stays tidy and easy to grab.
We picked nine essentials in three groups: the board, the tools and the little extras that make a board look finished. Prices change, so check Amazon before you buy.
Quick picks
- Best all-in-one set: SMIRLY Bamboo Charcuterie Board Set with Accessories
- Best cheese knives: Lunar 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cheese Knife Set
- Best for small bowls: Sweese 4 oz Small White Porcelain Bowls, Set of 6
- Best for ideas: Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack Boards for Any Occasion
Pick your board
1. SMIRLY Bamboo Charcuterie Board Set with Accessories
Why we love itA large bamboo board with a slide-out drawer of cheese knives and serving pieces. One box covers almost everything.
Great for: First-time board builders and gift giversCheck it on Amazon
2. Thirteen Chefs Olive Wood Cheese Board, 12 Inch
Why we love itA rustic olive wood serving board with a beautiful grain. It looks great on a fall table.
Great for: Small boards and cheese coursesCheck it on Amazon3. Creative Co-Op 11-Inch Round Marble Board
Why we love itA white marble board that stays cool, which helps soft cheeses and butter hold up on the table.
Great for: Cheese plates and dessert boardsCheck it on AmazonThe tools
4. Lunar 6-Piece Stainless Steel Cheese Knife Set
Why we love itSix cheese knives for soft, semi-soft and hard cheeses, so the brie and the cheddar each get the right blade.
Great for: Anyone serving more than one cheeseCheck it on Amazon5. Norpro Stainless Steel Cheese Markers, Set of 6
Why we love itLittle markers you write on so guests know which cheese is which. Wipe clean and reuse.
Great for: Hosts with picky or curious guestsCheck it on Amazon6. FATLODA Flat Bamboo Cocktail Picks, 300 Count
Why we love itFlat bamboo picks for olives, salami folds and cheese cubes. Easier than tongs for a crowd.
Great for: Parties and grab-and-go appetizersCheck it on AmazonThe little extras
7. Sweese 4 oz Small White Porcelain Bowls, Set of 6
Why we love itSmall bowls for jam, mustard, olives and nuts so nothing rolls across the board.
Great for: Any board with dips or spreadsCheck it on Amazon8. 9 oz Glass Honey Pot with Dipper
Why we love itA glass honey jar with a wooden dipper. A drizzle of honey makes a cheese board feel special.
Great for: Sweet and savory board fansCheck it on Amazon
9. Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack Boards for Any Occasion
Why we love itMaegan Brown's best-selling book of board ideas, with layouts for holidays, brunch and game day.
Great for: Visual learners who want ideasCheck it on AmazonClick through to Amazon for current price and availability.
FAQ
What do you need to make a charcuterie board?
A board, a few cheese knives, small bowls for spreads and some picks. Then add two or three cheeses, a cured meat or two, crackers, fruit and something sweet like honey or jam.
How far ahead can I make a charcuterie board?
You can slice cheeses and meats a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Put the board together within an hour or two of serving.
What size charcuterie board do I need?
A 12 to 16 inch board feeds a small group as an appetizer. For a bigger crowd, use two boards or a large set so guests can reach from both sides.
Why don't you list prices?
Amazon prices change often, so we don't list them. Click through to Amazon to see the current price and availability before you buy.