Entertaining and hosting is a passion of mine, so when my brother told me he was proposing, I proposed to him that we host the surprise gathering of friends and family after he popped the question. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to host such a memorable night!
While he got to scheming on the actual proposal, my mom and I went to planning this party. What would we serve? How much? I was going to be away at a conference for the week and then come home and be hosting this surprise party. I knew we needed to keep it simple. The solution was a charcuterie board and some sweets. Isn’t that always the answer?
Before I left for the conference, I was sure my house was cleaned and pulled out platters and boards. I arranged them on my dining room table with suggestions for food items. Thank goodness my mom got all the food! When I arrived from the conference, my parents were already in town and had done all the grocery shopping, got the beverages iced down, etc. All I had to do was shower and arrange it.
The key to a pretty charcuterie, similar to design, is varying textures, colors, and heights. I used some wood boards I had but added in small silver bowls to hold nuts. The metallic finish also coordinated with other metallic elements on the table–like the tiered desert stand and gold brushed cake stand. I also used a taller glass compote (kinda shaped like a large martini glass) to add additional height and set apart the cheese straws–a true favorite!
Beatriz Ball Elevated Platter
Beatriz Ball platter
