It's that time of year again where the leaves are falling, the air is crisp and it's time to visit your hometown friends to kick off the holiday season. I'm referring to Friendsgiving and yes, it's ever evolving just like the concept itself. So what is one way to kick it up a notch with your basic Friendsgiving this season? Why charcuterie boards of course! Ok ok we get it, charcuterie board designs aren't in everyone's cards to create but that's what gives this next idea a unique twist that everyone can do. Ask your guests to each bring a board of choice and all they have to do is make an assortment of that style of food on.. you guessed it, a board. Here are our recommendations for a creative Friendsgiving board night but as the host, don't forget to record their presentation entrance!
#1 "The OG" Traditional Charcuterie Board
Originated in France, the word Charcuterie (pronounced shar-koo-tuh-ree) actually means "Pork Butcher Shop." It was a way to keep the meat longer prior to the use of refrigerators. The boards have modernized to now include finger foods such as crackers, fruit, nuts, cheese pate, jams and cured meats. Your local grocery store should have pre-assembled board to grab and go if you aren't one for DIY tasks. If you are willing to take on this daunting task, check out this perfect tutorial from Natashas Kitchen YouTube Channel to create the perfect Charcuterie Board.
#2 Wing and Things
Depending on the day you host your Friendsgiving, the wing board could be the party favorite if it's held on a Sunday afternoon. A wing board can include several wing options, celery sticks, carrot sticks and variations of blue cheese and ranch dressings. Here are some traditional flavors:
- The Naked Wing
- Grilled
- Fried
- Mild
- Hot
- Tex-Mex (bbq + buffalo sauce)
- Buffalo
- Bbq
- Garlic Parmesan
- Sriracha, Jalapeño
- Chipotle
- Jerk Seasoning
- Orange Glaze
- Honey Mustard
- Meatless Cauliflower Bites
Non-traditional flavors:
- Maple Chipotle
- Pineapple Teriyaki
- Apricot Glazed
- Curried
- Miso
- Gazed
- Thai Peanut Sauce
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Baked Nacho Cheese
- Kung Pao
#3 Brunch with the Besties
Since you usually head to brunch with your besties, this board should be easy to assemble. This board can include all the small meal style foods such as: waffles, silver dollar pancakes, french toast sticks, sausage links, crisp bacon, biscuits, tater tots representing the potato, quiche bites, smoked salmon and cream cheese and for the advanced chefs, add poached eggs over an english muffin. Don't forget the dipping sauces of maple syrup, chocolate syrup, jelly or preserves and hollandaise sauce.
#4 Japanese Inspired Board
The Japanese inspire board is simple and there are so many variations of sushi! If you are in a hurry, you can pre-order sushi rolls from your favorite sushi spot or even grab and go from your local grocery store (as long as you know it's fresh). This board can include: sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, rice bowls, miso soup, ginger salad, hibachi rice and tempura options. You can include the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, ginger and wasabi as the centerpiece. Here are some simple yet popular sushi roll options:
- Avocado
- Avocado and Peanuts
- Sweet Potato
- Salmon
- Spicy Salmon
- Tuna
- Spicy Tuna
- Eel
- Alaska Roll
- Philadelphia Roll
- California Roll
- Hot Dog (for the kids and non sushi eaters)
#5 Dessert / Fondue
Who doesn't love a pot full of hot fudge? Well we do so give this board to a responsible person to execute to its potential. This board could be anything you dream of but here are our top recommendations: chocolate covered pretzel sticks, s'mores including marshmallows, Hershey chocolate bar, graham crackers, candy, M&Ms, mini chocolate covered pretzels, cookies, fruits, nuts and the list can go on and on and on!
#6 Assorted Dips and Chips
This board should be pretty self explanatory so we'll skip to the best recommendations part. What we will say is you can get creative with the style of chips to pair with each dip. Our top dip recommendations:
- French Onion
- Buffalo Chicken
- Spinach Artichoke
- Hummus
- Seven Layer Taco
- Guacamole
- Chili and Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Salsa
- Tzatziki
- Queso
- Olives and Feta
- Eggplant
#7 Italian Inspired
Since pasta may not be the best Italian option for a board, let's focus more on the finger foods. An Italian inspired board can include:
- Pizza Slices (any and every variation)
- Margherita Flatbread
- Crostini and Olive Oil
- Bruschetta
- Focaccia
- Mini Meatballs
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls
- Mozzarella Sticks and Tomato Dipping Sauce
- Caprese Skewers
- Italian Cured Meats and Cheeses
#8 Fast Food French Fries
The fast food fries board is for the person in the group that doesn't know how to cook. Although it's the lazy board, I promise it will be amongs the most popular. I recommend going to at least 4 different fast food places in your local area. You should try to pick different variations such as Chick-fil-A waffle fries, Checker's seasoned fries, a classic such a McDonald's and if you are lucky enough to live near In-N-Out make sure to grab some "well done" fries. If you are feeling generous, feel free to throw on a few burgers and slice them up.
IMPORTANT: Do not forget the dipping sauces! Personally wouldn't let you in the house with a board that didn't include the restaurant's most popular sauces but that is just me.
#9 Childhood Favorites
This one goes out to the kids that got dragged out to the party. This board is a kids favorites board which can include: grilled cheese, mini corn dogs, mac and cheese bites, peanut butter and jelly squares, gold fish snacks, sliced apples and literally anything your inner 10-year-old would desire! The accompanying sauces would be ketchup and mustard of course!
Your friends are going to love this idea and we didn't even get to the part where you post it on social media. Don't forget to tag us @LyteUpClothing with your ideas that came to life. Happy Holidays and enjoy!