Collection: Epicurean Cheese and Charcuterie Gifts

"Charcuterie" is an old word that's gained a lot of popularity lately. A charcuterie board may also be called a cheese board or a snack board. Charcuterie gift boxes are typically a selection of artisan meats and cheeses, along with delicious accompaniments that are presented in an attractive and appetizing way.

While some of our charcuterie gifts ship in a simple gift box, others are presented in a wicker hamper, gift basket, or gift tray. Our most complete charcuterie gifts include everything a person needs to create gorgeous meat and cheese spreads. When it comes to a charcuterie gift, we truly have something for everyone.

Charcuterie gifts are a great way to show someone you're thinking of them. For the holidays, a charcuterie gift or cheese platter is a welcome way to break a fast or to celebrate Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or Christmas with a party at home or at the office. People often appreciate cheese and charcuterie for a birthday gift, for an anniversary gift, or really any occasion. A gourmet food assortment is a thoughtful option when you need to send a sympathy or condolence gift. Oftentimes, the bereaved family really appreciates having some heartier food available to sustain them.

While the word "charcuterie" may be new to our mainstream vocabulary and the idea of creating an Instagram- or Pinterest-worthy presentation may feel intimidating, the high-quality gourmet foods we include in our charcuterie gift baskets will ensure that your snack board is an epicurean success

First off, the cheeses and meats should be special. Artisan meats such as Italian salami, Spanish Ibirico ham or "jamon," or Saucisson Sec from France make a nice start. Crafted cheeses, like smoked Gouda, a classic Wisconsin Cheddar, or pepper-encrusted cheese contribute to an amazing snack spread.

To this hearty foundation, you can add mixed nuts or a favorite seasoned nut, olives, gourmet jams, fruit spreads, or preserves, a unique mustard or two, fresh fruits, and dried fruit. When your appetizers need to rise to the level of "heavy hors d'oeuvres," a nice addition is a delicious olive oil and crusty French bread. And for a complete spread, we suggest some delightful sweets such as chocolate morsels or shortbread cookies. Finally, because we're GiftTree, we suggest a lovely bottle of wine when it's right for your gifting occasion.

The accompaniments that are typically included with a charcuterie board vary depending on the type of charcuterie being served. Generally, a charcuterie board will include a variety of artisanal meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and soppressata, as well as a selection of cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, and gouda. This is the perfect time to try the olives from Spain, the buffalo sausage, or the authentic pancetta from Italy. For the adventurous crowd, maybe even add some game flavors such as venison jerky or elk summer sausage. The ideal cheese and charcuterie presentation is a collection of specialty flavors and ingredients beyond what you can pick up in one trip to the grocery store. After all, there's a world of delicious flavors to explore!

Cheese and charcuterie is best served on a wood board, a slate board, or a large platter - anything that provides a generous serving area for the gourmet treats and snacks. A variety of accompaniments will ensure that everyone can find some favorites among the treats offered. Things like sliced baguettes, crisp crackers, and crostini are great options for those who like to stack their cheese and charcuterie like a sandwich.

We love to add a bite or two of refreshing fresh fruit to a snack board. Pro-tip: use kitchen scissors to cut small bunches of grapes for easy pickup. Don't be afraid to add some small bowls to your snack board to keep small things like nuts and dried fruit corralled. Some people like to add a drizzle of honey to soft cheeses or a fruit paste or jam. And plenty of spoons and cocktail picks will help your guests take their selection from the board. Finally, when you have everything arranged just the way you want, consider adding a few fresh herb sprigs to add a touch of green and some nice aromatics.

When it comes to sending a charcuterie gift, we offer shipping across the U.S. We can often provide next-day options for an additional fee. You can send a charcuterie gift basket to your friends, to your family, and to your business partners. Please be aware that if your gift includes wine, an adult will need to sign for the delivery. If you're unsure of your gift recipient's taste, remember we offer gift cards so that they can choose exactly what suits their palate. And, as always, if you have questions or need more information, our Gift Advisors are ready to help!