“Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in t “Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in the south. Love this humidity for us. 🔥🤪 Had to snap a pic before we left yesterday because I knew I would be a mess by the time we got there. What’s the weather like where you are?

I am deeply obsessed with this dress. The cutouts are flattering and not too much and it really highlights your curves. You can also wear a real bra or a nursing bra with it and in the summer that is just ideal.

I’m wearing a L and it is roomy but still flattering. This dress is also on major sale today for $21! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3IA9s

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #oldnavystyle #oldnavy #shopltk #ltkunder50 #spottedinoldnavy
There are some new faces around here so first of a There are some new faces around here so first of all, hello! Thank you so much for being here. 👋🏻 Please say “hello” in the comments and let me know your favorite beverage. You’ll learn quickly that I drink a LOT of Diet Coke. 🥤

I thought it might be a good idea to reintroduce myself. So here are a few quick facts about me!

1. I live just outside of Atlanta. I have bopped all over the Atlanta area and lived and worked on all sides of the city before happily settling down back in my hometown. I NEVER thought I would live in the same zip code where I grew up, but I love that this is where we have decided to put down roots and start our family.
2. Speaking of family, I met my husband, Stephen, in college. He was my blind date to a sorority party. (I’m a ZTA 🍓👑) We got married in October of 2016 and had our first baby (Benjamin) in March 2021! 
3. I also have two adorable pets, Molly and Mimosa. 🐶🐱 Mimosa was featured in the Atlanta Humane Society calendar last year as Miss May! ✨
4. I primarily share midsize style for the in-between bodies on my blog, Instagram and LTK app! I have been between sizes 8-16 over the past few years, so I know a few things about dressing a midsize body. I just released my midsize style guide yesterday, and you can instantly download it from my blog! (Helengbailey.com) 
5. As a former certified event planner, I love to share holiday and party planning inspo on my platforms. Halloween is my favorite though, and I have already started shooting Halloween content. 🕷 This year is going to be the biggest and best year yet! In addition to party planning ideas, Ben and I are sharing more mom and son costume ideas, and Ben in a costume is just my favorite! 😍

Thank you so, so much for being here! I work hard on this little side hustle and can’t keep it going without you. I’m so grateful for your engagement, clicks, likes and comments. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out! I LOVE to hear from you! Happy Friday! 💕
I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at @theblogsocieties conference! I love this dress and think it would be perfect for a baby shower, garden party and is even work appropriate! It’s very flattering and will definitely be pulled out of my closet again and again!

Speaking of flattering, I am releasing my midsize style guide tomorrow morning to my newsletter subscribers! If you are midsize, don’t miss the release. The guide is full of tips and tricks for dressing midsize bodies, plus it has lots of summer items from my favorite midsize brands.

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HsPQ

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #tbscon #theblogsocieties #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right n This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right now! It is so flattering and I just can’t get enough. It is 30% off today with code SUNNY! 

What piece in your closet do you wear over and over? 

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HEEG 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #loveloft #loftimist #shopltk #ltksalealert
Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s not too far away and I get to visit often. I posted my Savannah Travel Guide on the blog today! ➡️ helengbailey.com.

My set is one of my new favorites! I love the color and the high-waisted fit. I’ve linked it in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me there for my daily ootds, outfit inspiration and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HByk

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
Made it to Savannah! ☀️ Obsessed with this s Made it to Savannah! ☀️ 

Obsessed with this set from @petalandpup that I wore to @theblogsocieties #tbscon welcome party last night! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3Hp33

I’m wearing a large and it runs true to size!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner #shopltk
Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. S Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. Swipe through for our list of pool or beach day essentials with your baby! ☀️ 

And enjoy the second pic of my boy living his best life. He is such a water baby! 🤣🤣

All of our baby pool essentials are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GXvf

Do you love the pool or beach more during the summer? 🏖 

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #ltkfamily #ltkbaby #ltkkids
First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing this weekend?

Ben came home from school FULL of energy today so we decided this was a perfect afternoon for a first trip to the park! 🛝 He LOVED it! Here’s a big photo dump of my sweet boy. 

My overalls are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GJYV

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #shopltk #ltkunder50 #ltkfamily
Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀ Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀️

What are you doing for the long weekend? 💙

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger
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Entertaining, Food · November 4, 2019

How to Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board


create the perfect charcuterie board

Is there anything better than a delicious charcuterie board? They such a great crowd pleaser and have become so so popular over the past few years. Honestly, I credit the spike in popularity to our parents. They started us out on Lunchables in elementary school, so we know what a delectable treat cheese, meat and crackers can be. Now that millennials are adults, we’ve really perfected the craft and have a board at every party, book club, and neighborhood dinner.

There is a strategy to creating the perfect charcuterie board. You can’t just plop cheese and meat down and call it a day. To create the perfect charcuterie board you need a plan when tackling the grocery store.

Today, I’m going to share my strategies for creating the perfect charcuterie board.

Picking the perfect cheese

Unless you are a cheese connoisseur, I recommend getting help at your local market. If you head to a Fresh Market, Whole Foods, or even an upgraded Kroger someone will definitely be able to help you pick the perfect cheeses for your board. They can also help you cut your cheese into artful wedges or cubes. If you truly don’t know where to start, ask!

The most important thing when it comes to cheese is balance. You don’t want all hard or all soft cheeses. You’ll want a balance. I recommend getting at least one firm, one soft and one fresh cheese. If you are making a larger charcuterie board, you can pick several of each. Some of my favorites are Gouda, pepper jack, fresh mozzarella, brie, blue cheese, Parmesan, or goat cheese.

Don’t feel like you have to be super super fancy on your cheeses and neglect your basics. Cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella are excellent choices for a charcuterie board.

Finding the right meat

Again, never feel ashamed asking for help! However, here are some tips for finding the perfect meats to pair with your cheeses. Pork typically plays a large part in a charcuterie board. Some excellent choices are salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and speck.

Make sure that your meats are easy for guests to pick up. If you have thinly cut slices, fold them up so they are easy to handle. Also select meat that is already pre-cut into small circles like pepperoni.

One of my favorite things to include are the prosciutto and mozzarella roll-ups. They are so tasty and neatly packaged in a little roll. You can find them really anywhere. I bought mine last time at Kroger.

Additional items to include

A charcuterie board is really elevated when it has additional snacks included. I live in the south, so cheese straws are always a good option. Other tasty options include olives, nuts, grapes, crackers, craft pickles and specialty dips.

Some of my favorite dips include: spinach artichoke, buffalo chicken, cheesy bacon, french onion, or a zesty ranch. I’ve also used a cheddar bacon cheese ball. (I turned it into a pumpkin for Halloween.)

My favorite nuts are almonds, but peanuts, pistachios, cashews and pecans are great options too.

There are a ton of options to include as extra treats on your charcuterie board other than cheese and meat. Visit your local store for great individual options. You can also go to a farmer’s market for local options like pickles.

How to arrange your charcuterie board

You don’t want to include all your cheese on one side and your meat on another, so create a fun balance. Also, be sure to sprinkle your extra treats throughout the board too. I love to utilize ramekins to give more levels to my board. Side note: my ramekin set was one of my favorite wedding presents. You can never have too many and seriously I use them every single day for one thing or another.

If you have cubes of cheese, you can add several piles in different locations on the board to give more access points to the cheese. Same with grapes and meats. Include a small shot glass of toothpicks nearby so people don’t have to use their fingers to pick up the food.

If you run out of room on your board, you can do a separate platter of crackers. I typically have to do this. You can make an entire table into a charcuterie board by using butcher paper and then you can include everything on one surface, but if you run out of room feel free to make separate plates of crackers.

There we have it! I really love making these boards for parties and dinners. What are your favorite things to add to a charcuterie board?

In: Entertaining, Food

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Comments

  1. Kileen says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:30 am

    This post is so helpful, especially with the holiday season coming up. I found this to be extremely useful and this looks so yummy as well!!

    Kileen
    cute & little

  2. Cristina says

    November 6, 2019 at 2:29 am

    I had no idea it’s called charcuterie. I called it “cheese board”, haha.

  3. Christa Del Giorno says

    November 6, 2019 at 9:49 am

    I love a good charcuterie board! Yours looks gorgeous. I’ll have to improve my game.

  4. aisasami says

    November 6, 2019 at 11:17 am

    I never heard of charcuterie board but I did have lunchables before. I will have to create one for a potluck I will attend soon.

  5. CindyMoore says

    November 6, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    So attractively arranged! Your board not only tastes good, it looks party perfect.

  6. Aarika Chilson says

    November 8, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Thanks for the charcuterie board tips! I love your display. It’s beautiful! I always love a good charcuterie board during the holidays.

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Welcome to Helengbailey.com, a digital lifestyle haven where I share the best in affordable style, beauty, food, DIY, family and home decor. As a former certified event planner, I also offer lots of tips and inspiration to plan the perfect party.

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“Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in t “Hot girl summer” has a whole new meaning in the south. Love this humidity for us. 🔥🤪 Had to snap a pic before we left yesterday because I knew I would be a mess by the time we got there. What’s the weather like where you are?

I am deeply obsessed with this dress. The cutouts are flattering and not too much and it really highlights your curves. You can also wear a real bra or a nursing bra with it and in the summer that is just ideal.

I’m wearing a L and it is roomy but still flattering. This dress is also on major sale today for $21! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3IA9s

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #oldnavystyle #oldnavy #shopltk #ltkunder50 #spottedinoldnavy
There are some new faces around here so first of a There are some new faces around here so first of all, hello! Thank you so much for being here. 👋🏻 Please say “hello” in the comments and let me know your favorite beverage. You’ll learn quickly that I drink a LOT of Diet Coke. 🥤

I thought it might be a good idea to reintroduce myself. So here are a few quick facts about me!

1. I live just outside of Atlanta. I have bopped all over the Atlanta area and lived and worked on all sides of the city before happily settling down back in my hometown. I NEVER thought I would live in the same zip code where I grew up, but I love that this is where we have decided to put down roots and start our family.
2. Speaking of family, I met my husband, Stephen, in college. He was my blind date to a sorority party. (I’m a ZTA 🍓👑) We got married in October of 2016 and had our first baby (Benjamin) in March 2021! 
3. I also have two adorable pets, Molly and Mimosa. 🐶🐱 Mimosa was featured in the Atlanta Humane Society calendar last year as Miss May! ✨
4. I primarily share midsize style for the in-between bodies on my blog, Instagram and LTK app! I have been between sizes 8-16 over the past few years, so I know a few things about dressing a midsize body. I just released my midsize style guide yesterday, and you can instantly download it from my blog! (Helengbailey.com) 
5. As a former certified event planner, I love to share holiday and party planning inspo on my platforms. Halloween is my favorite though, and I have already started shooting Halloween content. 🕷 This year is going to be the biggest and best year yet! In addition to party planning ideas, Ben and I are sharing more mom and son costume ideas, and Ben in a costume is just my favorite! 😍

Thank you so, so much for being here! I work hard on this little side hustle and can’t keep it going without you. I’m so grateful for your engagement, clicks, likes and comments. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out! I LOVE to hear from you! Happy Friday! 💕
I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at I wore this dress in Savannah for workshop day at @theblogsocieties conference! I love this dress and think it would be perfect for a baby shower, garden party and is even work appropriate! It’s very flattering and will definitely be pulled out of my closet again and again!

Speaking of flattering, I am releasing my midsize style guide tomorrow morning to my newsletter subscribers! If you are midsize, don’t miss the release. The guide is full of tips and tricks for dressing midsize bodies, plus it has lots of summer items from my favorite midsize brands.

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HsPQ

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #tbscon #theblogsocieties #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right n This dress is such a staple in my wardrobe right now! It is so flattering and I just can’t get enough. It is 30% off today with code SUNNY! 

What piece in your closet do you wear over and over? 

I am wearing a large in this dress and it runs a little big, if in between sizes, size down! Linked here in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me (helengbailey) to shop my Instagram, daily outfits and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HEEG 

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #loveloft #loftimist #shopltk #ltksalealert
Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s Savannah is such a dream! I’m lucky that it’s not too far away and I get to visit often. I posted my Savannah Travel Guide on the blog today! ➡️ helengbailey.com.

My set is one of my new favorites! I love the color and the high-waisted fit. I’ve linked it in the @shop.ltk app! Follow me there for my daily ootds, outfit inspiration and favorite products! https://liketk.it/3HByk

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner
Made it to Savannah! ☀️ Obsessed with this s Made it to Savannah! ☀️ 

Obsessed with this set from @petalandpup that I wore to @theblogsocieties #tbscon welcome party last night! Linking it in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3Hp33

I’m wearing a large and it runs true to size!

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #petalandpup #petalandpuppartner #shopltk
Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. S Loving every second of summer with my sweet boy. Swipe through for our list of pool or beach day essentials with your baby! ☀️ 

And enjoy the second pic of my boy living his best life. He is such a water baby! 🤣🤣

All of our baby pool essentials are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GXvf

Do you love the pool or beach more during the summer? 🏖 

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #ltkfamily #ltkbaby #ltkkids
First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing First Friday of summer! ☀️ What are you doing this weekend?

Ben came home from school FULL of energy today so we decided this was a perfect afternoon for a first trip to the park! 🛝 He LOVED it! Here’s a big photo dump of my sweet boy. 

My overalls are linked in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/3GJYV

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger #shopltk #ltkunder50 #ltkfamily
Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀ Poolside cuddles with my favorite little dude! ☀️

What are you doing for the long weekend? 💙

#dailymotherhood #realmotherhood #socialmediamom #lifestyleblogging #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer #mombloggers #familyblog #familyblogger #bloggervibes #bloggerlove #mombloggersofinstagram #atlblogger #atlantablog #georgiablogger
Took this pic before my hair doubled in size and I Took this pic before my hair doubled in size and I rapped to Vanilla Ice. 🧊 

Had the best week in Tulum celebrating our friends! 🌴 And now I’m so happy to be reunited with our snuggly boy.

Dress linked in the @shop.ltk app! Direct link ➡️ https://liketk.it/3FnrN

#midsizestyle #midsizestyleblogger  #midsizestyleinspo #styleblogging #styleblogs #styleblogg #fashionblogger #fashionblogg #fashionblogging #fashionblogpost #fashionblogs #fashionblogers #blogstyle #weddingguestdress #beachweddingdress #tulumwedding #miabeachclub #shopltk #ltkwedding #ltkunder50 #weddingguestdresses

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