Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with people you love, and there’s something special about a beautifully arranged charcuterie board that brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or an intimate Friendsgiving, a well-crafted charcuterie board is both a conversation starter and a delicious way to keep guests happy while the turkey finishes roasting.

I’ve been scrolling through Instagram and found some truly inspiring Thanksgiving charcuterie boards that I had to share with you. These talented creators have turned simple ingredients into edible works of art, and I’ve gathered 20 of my favorites here. Each board has its own personality and style, so you’re bound to find something that fits your Thanksgiving vibe.

What is a Charcuterie Board?

If you’re new to the charcuterie board trend, here’s the basics: it’s an artfully arranged platter featuring cured meats, various cheeses, and complementary accompaniments like fruits, nuts, crackers, and spreads. The term “charcuterie” comes from French cuisine, originally referring to prepared meat products, but modern boards have evolved to include so much more.

What makes charcuterie boards perfect for Thanksgiving? They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, they feed a crowd without much effort, and they look impressive on your table. Plus, there’s something for everyone, making them ideal when you’re hosting guests with different tastes.

What Goes on a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board?

While there’s no strict rulebook, Thanksgiving boards typically feature ingredients that complement the autumn season and traditional holiday flavors.

Meats form the foundation: think prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, and if you want to be thematic, sliced turkey breast works beautifully. Variety in texture and flavor is key.

Cheeses should include a good mix. I recommend combining soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, semi-soft options like gouda or havarti, and hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or parmesan. Three to five different cheeses usually hits the sweet spot.

Seasonal touches are what transform a regular board into a Thanksgiving showstopper. Dried cranberries add that tart holiday flavor, while fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, and apple slices bring autumn colors to your board. Don’t forget spiced nuts—candied pecans and honey-roasted almonds are always crowd favorites.

Crackers and bread provide the vehicle for all these delicious toppings. Offer a variety: water crackers, seeded crackers, crostini, and breadsticks give guests options.

Spreads and condiments tie everything together. Honey, fig jam, cranberry sauce, and whole grain mustard add depth and help guests create their perfect bite.

Garnishes are the finishing touch. Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs not only look beautiful but add a subtle fragrance. Small decorative pumpkins or gourds nestled among the food really drive home that Thanksgiving aesthetic.

My Tips for Creating Your Board

Before we dive into the inspiration, here are a few practical tips I’ve learned:

Start with a wooden board or slate platter—it gives that rustic autumn feel that works perfectly for Thanksgiving. Think about your color palette: oranges, burgundies, golds, and browns create that warm, festive look.

Use small bowls for wet ingredients like jams and honey to prevent everything from getting soggy. And remember to consider dietary restrictions—adding some vegan cheese options or gluten-free crackers ensures everyone at your table can enjoy the spread.

The best part? You can assemble your board 1-2 hours before guests arrive, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving so the cheeses can soften and the flavors can shine.

20 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are 20 beautiful Thanksgiving charcuterie boards that caught my eye:

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For those who want to embrace the holiday literally, this board arranges meats and cheeses in the shape of a turkey. Salami roses form the body, colorful bell peppers create the feathers, and blackberries add dramatic contrast at the center. Fresh spinach leaves at the base complete the turkey look, bordered by pistachios and cashews. It’s playful and festive, especially if kids are joining the meal.

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Perfect for small groups, this board proves you don’t need a massive spread to impress. The stunning salami rose centerpiece is surrounded by neatly arranged meats, cheeses, fresh berries, and chocolate-covered treats. It’s casual yet thoughtful—ideal for a cozy Thanksgiving with close friends or a small family dinner.

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This board wears its heart on its sleeve—literally—with a wooden “thankful” sign as the centerpiece. Abundant fresh berries, green grapes, and a decorative mini pumpkin emphasize the seasonal theme. The mix of meats, cheeses, candied nuts, and leaf-shaped cookies creates a festive spread that’s both generous and welcoming. It’s a reminder that Thanksgiving is about gratitude as much as great food.

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This board is a work of art with fresh orange mums scattered throughout like a garden in bloom. Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs add fragrance and texture, while the vibrant colors—bright green grapes, orange cheddar, blackberries, and strawberries—create stunning visual contrast. The salami fans are expertly arranged, and cucumber slices add a refreshing touch. It’s elegant and Instagram-worthy without trying too hard.

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This board strikes the perfect balance between rustic and refined. The dramatic salami roses steal the show, complemented by burgundy mums and delicate pink flowers. Sliced pear adds an elegant touch, while cashews, olives, and blackberries provide variety in texture and flavor. The wooden board and weathered background enhance the cozy autumn aesthetic. It’s proof that simple ingredients can look absolutely stunning with thoughtful arrangement.

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This board looks like a fall garden came to life on your table. Vibrant red, orange, and burgundy mums mix with delicate white flowers, while leaf-shaped cookies and dried orange slices reinforce the seasonal theme. Cinnamon sticks add a warming spice element, and the variety of fresh berries, candied nuts, and creative meat arrangements make it both beautiful and delicious. It’s a showstopper that would be perfect as your table centerpiece.

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This board is pure sophistication with its premium ingredients and expert arrangement. Fresh figs, prosciutto, abundant red grapes, and sliced pears create an upscale feel, while leaf-shaped cookies and fresh rosemary sprigs keep it seasonal. The honeycomb and candied pecans add texture, and the variety of artisan cheeses shows real attention to quality. Set against a rustic turquoise backdrop with decorative pumpkins, it’s the kind of board you’d expect at a high-end Thanksgiving gathering.

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A jam-topped brie wheel anchors this beautifully balanced board. Salami roses, leaf-shaped cookies, and colorful mums add visual appeal, while dried apricots, fresh raspberries, walnuts, and waffle cookies provide diverse flavors. Fresh sage leaves tucked throughout bring an earthy touch. It’s a well-rounded spread that offers something for every palate at your Thanksgiving table.

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Designed for two, this intimate board pairs perfectly with Turkish coffee for a relaxed Thanksgiving afternoon. A decorative pumpkin bowl holds creamy dip at the center, surrounded by salami roses, olives, grapes, pistachios, and assorted cheeses. Cork trivets double as serving surfaces, adding texture to the presentation. It’s proof that you don’t need a crowd to enjoy a beautiful charcuterie spread—sometimes the best celebrations are the quiet ones.

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This board is a masterclass in arrangement and presentation. Oversized salami roses command attention, while precisely fanned cheese slices and neatly organized sections create visual harmony. Fresh figs, cashews, macarons, and chocolate-covered pretzels add unexpected elegance, and fresh rosemary sprigs with bright pink mums provide pops of color. The careful attention to symmetry and detail makes this board worthy of a special occasion—it’s both stunning to look at and delicious to eat.

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The warm color palette on this board captures fall perfectly—golden cheeses, orange pumpkins, burgundy mums, and green grapes create a stunning autumn spectrum. Salami roses, leaf-shaped cookies, and macarons add artful touches, while fresh rosemary and kiwi slices provide unexpected pops of color. The circular wooden platter makes it easy for guests to graze from all sides.

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This impressive long board turns your table into a grazing station. Decorative pumpkins anchor both ends, while creamy dips, leaf-shaped cookies, fresh vegetables, and diverse meats and cheeses fill every inch between. The addition of whole fruits like apples and pears, plus fresh broccoli florets, makes it feel wholesome and abundant. Perfect for large gatherings where guests can stand and mingle while they snack from this stunning spread.

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This thoughtfully arranged board features cute “thank you” labels on the honey containers, adding a personal touch perfect for Thanksgiving. A cheddar cheese leaf and small decorative pumpkin reinforce the seasonal theme, while fresh sage leaves, colorful mums, and fanned apple slices create visual interest. The mix of berries, olives, pickles, candied nuts, and various meats ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s a warm, welcoming board that truly captures the spirit of gratitude.

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Set against a rich red backdrop, this colorful board bursts with variety and creativity. Fresh sage leaves, candied nuts, and leaf-shaped cookies celebrate the season, while the mix of fresh berries, pickles, chocolate-covered treats, and decorative gourds adds whimsy. The abundance of textures and colors—from deep purples to bright oranges—makes every section visually exciting. It’s a festive, eye-catching board that shows how much fun you can have with your Thanksgiving spread.

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Served on a stunning dark green platter, this board balances classic and contemporary beautifully. Mini pumpkins serve as natural centerpieces, surrounded by rolled meats, fresh mums, and rosemary sprigs. The honey dipper, waffle cookies, dried apricots, and pistachios add textural variety, while the rich orange and burgundy color scheme perfectly captures autumn.

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Set on a leaf-shaped wooden platter, this board embraces the season from shape to ingredients. Salami roses, creamy brie, fresh berries, and leaf-shaped cookies create a harmonious arrangement, while the outdoor setting with scattered fall leaves and decorative pumpkins enhances the cozy autumn vibe. Chocolate-covered pretzels and candied nuts add sweet touches. It’s perfect for an outdoor Thanksgiving celebration or patio gathering where nature becomes part of your décor.

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This generous rectangular board is designed to feed a crowd with plenty of everything. Multiple salami roses, abundant grapes, fresh strawberries, blackberries, and yogurt-covered pretzels ensure no guest goes hungry. Pistachios, candied pecans, and various crackers fill every gap, while mini decorative pumpkins add seasonal charm. The mix of sweet and savory, crunchy and soft, makes this board a guaranteed hit at any large Thanksgiving gathering.

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This board makes a bold statement with a maple leaf-shaped cheese cutout filled with vibrant orange jam at its center—a perfect nod to Canadian Thanksgiving or autumn in general. Salami roses, fresh sage and rosemary, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries create a beautiful ring around the centerpiece. The mix of cubed cheeses, nuts, and fresh grapes keeps it practical while the artistic presentation makes it memorable. It’s festive, patriotic, and delicious.

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This isn’t just a board—it’s an entire Thanksgiving spread! Multiple platters and trays offer desserts, salads, charcuterie, and fresh vegetables, each beautifully arranged with edible flowers, fresh herbs, and decorative pumpkins. The outdoor garden setting with a stunning floral centerpiece creates a magical atmosphere. From berry-topped desserts to colorful salads and classic charcuterie elements, this setup shows how charcuterie boards can be part of a complete celebration. It’s ambitious, impressive, and absolutely stunning.

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This beautifully understated board proves that sophistication doesn’t require bright colors. The neutral palette—creamy whites, warm browns, and soft golds—creates a calming, elegant aesthetic. A maple leaf-topped brie wheel serves as the focal point, surrounded by perfectly fanned crackers, rolled meats, dried apricots, and decorative mini pumpkins with sage leaves. Fresh popcorn adds a playful, unexpected touch. It’s refined, cohesive, and perfect for those who prefer a more minimalist Thanksgiving style.

More Holiday Board Inspiration

If you love the idea of themed charcuterie boards for holidays, you’re in luck. Charcuterie boards work for any celebration, and each season offers unique opportunities for creativity.

Earlier this year, I put together a collection of Halloween charcuterie board ideas featuring spooky arrangements with black and orange color schemes, creative garnishes shaped like spiders and ghosts, and clever use of seasonal ingredients. If you’re already planning ahead for next October, check out that article for some frightfully fun inspiration!

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving charcuterie boards are more than just appetizers—they’re a way to welcome guests, spark conversations, and set the tone for your celebration. Whether you go for rustic charm, elegant sophistication, or playful creativity, the key is choosing ingredients you love and arranging them in a way that feels authentic to your style.

The boards I’ve shared here show that there’s no single “right” way to create a Thanksgiving charcuterie board. Some are overflowing with abundance, others embrace minimalism. Some stick to tradition, while others incorporate unexpected elements. That’s the beauty of this trend—you can make it entirely your own.

Which board caught your eye? Are you planning to make a charcuterie board for your Thanksgiving gathering this year? I’d love to hear about your approach in the comments, and if you create your own board, tag me so I can see how it turns out!

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy grazing!