How to Build the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board: 3 Fun Themes to Try

Whether you're planning a beach day, backyard barbecue, or game night with friends, a summer charcuterie board is always a hit. From juicy fruits to salty snacks, the key is to keep it fresh, colorful and fun. Here’s how to build the ultimate summer spread— plus three themed ideas using our favorite summertime boards!

Charcuterie 101: Summer Edition

Wondering how to build the perfect charcuterie board for your summer celebration? Here's what every summer board needs:

✅ Seasonal Produce
Go for vibrant, hydrating options like watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, mango, cherries, melon, and citrus slices. Stone fruits like peaches and plums are great too.

✅ Cool & Crunchy
Balance the softness of fruit with crackers, nuts, cucumber slices, and snap peas. Try chilled pickled veggies for a tangy bite!

✅ Sweet + Savory Pairings
Add cheese wedges (brie, cheddar, Manchego are great choices) and cured meats (like prosciutto or salami). Include sweet elements like jam, honey, or chocolate-covered almonds for contrast.

✅ Temperature Tips
If you're serving outdoors, place your board on a chilled marble base or serve in shaded areas. Keep delicate items like cheese and chocolate covered until ready to serve.

Keep reading for some fun summer serving ideas!

Theme 1: Tropical Fruit Paradise Board

This fruit board for summer is a refreshing hit for pool parties, luau nights, or brunches.

Perfect for our Pineapple-Shaped Board!

What to Include:

• Fresh watermelon wedges
• Sliced mango, pineapple, and kiwi
• Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries
• Goat cheese with jam
• Chocolate almonds
• Honey or berry jam for dipping

Pro Tip: Arrange fruit in loose concentric rings for a sunburst effect!

Theme 2: Coastal Snack Board

This beach picnic board is great for beach days, seafood boils, or any gathering with nautical vibes.

Perfect with our Surfboard-Shaped Board!

What to Include:

• Smoked salmon pinwheels
• Crackers with whipped cream cheese
• Shrimp cocktail
• Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
• Sea salt caramels or chocolate shells
• Lemon wedges & herbed goat cheese

Pro Tip: Pair with a crisp rosé or sparkling lemonade. 

Theme 3: Ballpark Bites Boards

This game-day board is great for summer BBQs, Father’s Day, or serving baseball party snacks.

A home run with our Baseball-Shaped Board!

What to Include:

• Mini pretzels and popcorn
• Slider buns with salami or pepperoni
• Pigs in a blanket
• Cubed cheddar and Monterey Jack
• Sliced apples or orange wedges
• Mustard dip or beer cheese
• Roasted peanuts in the shell

Pro Tip: Serve with local craft brew or root beer floats!

Mix + Match for Any Occasion

Each of these themes can stand alone or be combined for a larger grazing table. And with charcuterie boards available in a variety of fun summer shapes, your summer snack setup gets an instant upgrade in both style and flavor.

Show Us Your Summer Spread! 📸

Hosting with one of our boards? We’d love to see it!
Tag us on Instagram @TotallyBamboo with your summer charcuterie creation.