DIY Charcuterie Tray [Affordable Gift Idea for Foodies]

When the winter holidays roll around, it's easy to spend a lot of money on gifts for friends and family. Well, we're here to show you that you don't have to break the bank or spend time in long lines to give a wonderful gift! With a little elbow grease and a trip to ReStore, you can create homemade—and affordable—gifts for the holidays.

Most of us have certain friends or family members who are a challenge to shop for. But everyone appreciates something homemade and unique—bonus points if it involves food! Instead of overthinking an expensive gift, create the foundation for a delicious charcuterie or cheese board by using inexpensive wood planks.

If you don't know what charcuterie is, you're not alone. Charcuterie is a French word often used to describe meats prepared a certain way, so they don't require refrigeration. Traced back to the first century AD, charcuterie was once a peasant food. Today, it's a popular display of fine meats, cheeses, pâtés, and more. You can customize them any way you like with whatever food you like, or follow a theme like breakfast, tacos, dessert, and more. But best of all, a DIY charcuterie board, cheese board, or cutting board is simple to create and makes an amazing holiday gift!

Getting Started

First, you'll need to find some nice wood. Hard options like cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, and teak will work well, but at ReStore we like to use whatever is on hand. Planks or wide boards will make the entire process simpler and require fewer cuts, so if you can find boards at least 12 inches wide, even better! ReStore often has rough-sawn lumber at an affordable price. 

Don't worry about perfection. Boards with character have the best end result and visual interest, so slight damage, rough edges, and saw marks are actually preferred.

1. Cut the boards to a length you prefer. This might depend on the width of the boards but is ultimately up to you. You may also want to consider making multiple gifts from one long board, by measuring equal lengths before cutting.

2. Feel free to use power tools or hand tools. A simple wood saw works just fine and leaves a rougher appearance that you may actually prefer.

3. Give each piece a rough sanding to smooth it out and get rid of splinters or sharp edges. Depending on your preference, you can sand longer or with finer-grain sandpaper to get a smoother surface. Either way, make sure to sand the board to get rid of any small bits that might break off.

4. You're almost finished! You'll need to apply some oil to the board to make it last. You can do a bit of research on different products, but ReStore Manager Jan recommends a mixture of food-grade linseed oil and beeswax. The key is to make sure the oils or products you use are safe for food. You don't want to use oil stains or varnish since you'll be eating food from the board. Butcher block oil is a great option, but make sure you read the label to make sure you can use it with food. Do not use vegetable or olive oils—they eventually go rancid.

5. That's it. You're done! All you need to do now is wrap the board or top it with a bow. Friends and family will love these boards because they're made by you! Create a bunch over a weekend, and you'll have unique and special gifts that will last throughout the holidays. 

Consider These Options

• Cut an organic-shaped hole in one of the corners or near an edge. This provides a natural handle when holding the board and adds the appearance of a painter's palette.

• If you created a large board, add a couple of handles or cabinet pulls on each end to make for easy serving using two hands.

For example, here are a few optional handles you might find at ReStore.

Happy Holidays—and happy crafting—from ReStore!