Because every shared moment deserves more than just a simple appetizer, the board you place on the table becomes the heart of the evening. The one that brings people together, sparks smiles, and invites everyone to linger a little longer.
At Clementina, we believe in simple, honest pleasures: great taste, thoughtful details, and creations made to be shared. Putting together a board is about choosing with intention. It means creating something delicious and inviting, without overcomplicating it.
Ready to elevate your moments around the table? Let’s begin.
The Selection: Finding Authentic Gems
An unforgettable board always starts with quality. For us, that means prioritizing Swiss artisans, and whenever possible, those from our region.
To create harmony, think in terms of textures and character:
- Depth (cured and firm): An artisanal Vaud saucisson, slowly aged, or finely sliced dried meat from Valais. This brings structure, chew, and personality.
- Delicacy (soft and silky): Thin slices of Swiss cured ham, light and elegant, almost airy.
- Comfort (cooked): Swiss ham on the bone or a local artisanal terrine. Rounded, generous, and reassuring.
When the products are good, there’s no need to overdo it.
And the Cheese?
A great board is like a great couple. Inseparable. Cheese is charcuterie’s perfect match.
Stick to trusted Swiss classics:
- An aged Gruyère AOP, with subtle nutty notes
- A Tomme Vaudoise, soft and delicate
- A seasonal Vacherin Mont-d’Or, creamy and enveloping
Play with textures: firm, soft, creamy. That contrast is what creates a truly satisfying experience.
What About the Wine?
Wondering which Vaud wine to serve with a Swiss cheese and charcuterie board?
- With an aged Gruyère AOP, go for a Chasselas from Lavaux, fresh, mineral, and delicate. A classic local pairing.
- With dried meats or saucisson, a light, fruity Vaud Pinot Noir complements without overpowering.
- With a creamy Vacherin Mont-d’Or, choose a slightly more structured Chasselas to balance the richness.
Simple, regional pairings that enhance the products without masking them.
If you’d rather skip the guesswork, our Apéro | Cheese & Charcuterie boxes are created in exactly this spirit: local selection, balanced flavors, and a beautiful presentation, ready to share.
Generosity: Plan for Abundance
A beautiful board should feel generous and inviting. Not overloaded. Not minimal. Just the right level of abundance.
As a guideline:
- Light nibbles: 50 to 80 g per person, enough to awaken the appetite
- Cocktail dinner: 150 to 200 g per person, when the board becomes the meal
Wondering how much charcuterie to serve per guest? Take a look at our full guide on quantities for a charcuterie board.
Our advice is simple: Always plan a little extra. There’s nothing more disappointing than an empty board just as the conversation gets interesting. And if there are leftovers, they are always welcome the next day.
The Small Details: Balance Above All
Details are what bring everything to life. To keep the palate engaged, you need freshness and contrast. That is the key to balance.
- A touch of brightness: Crunchy pickles, pearl onions, or marinated vegetables
- A hint of sweetness: Fresh grapes, thinly sliced pear, quartered figs, or dried apricots
- A bit of crunch: Almonds or cashews for texture
Plating: Effortless, Generous, and Inviting
No need for geometric perfection, quite the opposite. We're looking for movement and abundance.
- Set your markers: Start by placing your small bowls of jam, pickles or mustard. These are the pillars of your composition.
- Add volume to charcuterie: Fold, roll, and layer slices instead of laying them flat
- Create abundance: Fill gaps with nuts, fruits, or crackers. This density makes the board feel warm and inviting
The Final Touch
Your board is almost ready. Finish with a touch of color: a sprig of rosemary for a garden note, a few berries for brightness, or edible flowers for a poetic finish.
These small details are what turn a board into an experience. Putting together a board is not about impressing. It is about caring.
And if you would rather simply open a box and enjoy time with your guests, we prepare ready-to-serve apéro boxes made with local ingredients, so you can share something delicious and thoughtfully put together, with no complications.
