The Art Of The Board: Why Charcuterie Remains The Star Of Entertaining

Le Fromage, a charcuterie business founded by Sofia Michael is based in Pike Creek, and has grown largely through word of mouth and social media, with orders primarily received through Instagram.

Jamie Kleman | Contributing Writer Delaware Live

Charcuterie boards have evolved from a simple appetizer into a centerpiece for gatherings, gifting, and celebrations of all kinds. From casual family nights to elegant holiday parties, these artfully arranged boards offer more than food. They create a shared experience that encourages conversation, connection, and creativity.

That sense of experience is at the heart of Le Fromage, a charcuterie business founded by Sofia Michael during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based in Pike Creek, Le Fromage has grown primarily through word of mouth and social media, with orders received primarily through Instagram. Michael builds the boards and delivers them throughout Delaware and into select nearby areas of Pennsylvania.

“Le Fromage began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a weekly tradition of making charcuterie boards for my family,” Michael said. “With their encouragement, I shared my work online at a time when many restaurants were closed here in Wilmington. I launched with a date-night box called Le Amour, which exceeded my expectations and naturally led to the growth and expansion of the business.”

Today, charcuterie boards remain especially popular during the holiday season, when hosts seek something festive, flexible, and crowd-pleasing. According to Michael, seasonal flavors play a big role in that appeal.

“During the holidays, cheeses with sweeter, festive flavor profiles are especially popular,” Michael noted. “Seasonal favorites include cranberry cheddar, apricot Stilton, cinnamon Toscano, and lemon ricotta.”

She has also noticed a shift in how people use charcuterie when entertaining.

“I’m also seeing a rise in bring-your-own-board gatherings, with charcuterie boards being the perfect shareable option for holiday celebrations,” she added.

Beyond flavor and convenience, Michael believes the lasting popularity of charcuterie boards comes down to how they make people feel.

“Charcuterie boards have become a favorite because they create an experience, not just a meal,” Michael explained. “They encourage guests to slow down, explore different pairings, and connect. Whether shared at a gathering or given as a gift, a thoughtfully curated board feels personal, special, and memorable.”

For Michael, the holidays are also a time to lean into creativity. She especially enjoys designing themed boards that reflect a season or occasion.

“Designing around a specific event or season allows me to personalize each board and really lean into creativity,” she shared. “Small details, like shaping cheese into festive designs and using festive garnish, add a playful touch and make each board feel extra special.”

As more people try their hand at building boards at home, Michael encourages hosts to think intentionally about presentation and inclusivity.

“My biggest advice is to choose a theme,” Michael said. “A themed board creates a cohesive, memorable experience and allows you to tailor the flavors to your guests’ preferences. Whether it’s Mediterranean, Italian, dessert-focused, or designed for guests who are gluten-free or dairy-free, customization makes the board feel intentional and ensures everyone feels included.”

Five Ways to Build Your Own Charcuterie Board:

Choose a clear theme
A holiday, Mediterranean, dessert, or allergy-friendly theme helps guide ingredient choices and presentation.
Balance flavors and textures
Pair creamy cheeses with firm ones, salty meats with sweet fruits, and soft items with crunchy crackers or nuts.
Use odd numbers
Three to five cheeses and meats tend to look more natural and visually appealing.
Layer and curve your layout
Arrange items in loose curves and clusters rather than straight lines to create movement and visual interest.
Finish with seasonal details
Fresh herbs, dried fruit, festive garnishes, or shaped cheeses add personality and elevate the overall look.

As entertaining continues to shift toward meaningful, shared moments, charcuterie boards show no sign of losing their place at the table. With their blend of flavor, artistry, and connection, they remain one of the most versatile and beloved ways to bring people together.

Photo caption:
Holiday-themed charcuterie boards created by Le Fromage

Photos Courtesy of Le Fromage