5 ways to style your olive wood board for entertaining

A good olive wood board earns its keep well beyond the chopping board drawer. Here are a few easy ways to put it to work when you've got people over.

1. Let the grain do the decorating

Every olive wood board has its own pattern of grain and knots, so you don't need to dress it up much. A few items placed with a bit of space between them will show off the wood far better than a tightly packed spread.

2. Mix textures, not just food

Pair the smoothness of cheese or charcuterie with something crisp — crackers, breadsticks, or a pile of fresh fruit. The contrast in texture makes a board look fuller without adding much extra.

3. Use small bowls for anything wet

Olives, dips, chutneys and honey are easiest to serve in small bowls set directly on the board, rather than straight on the wood. It keeps the board looking clean and makes serving easier for guests.

4. Add a sprig of something green

A small sprig of rosemary, thyme, or — fittingly — an olive branch, tucked between items adds a natural finishing touch without any real effort.

5. Let it be the centrepiece

A larger board works well set in the middle of the table for people to help themselves from, rather than plated individually. It's a more relaxed way to host, and it's exactly what these boards are made for.

If you're choosing a board with entertaining in mind, our serving & sharing boards are sized with this kind of hosting in mind.