How Big of a Board Do You Actually Need? A Sizing Guide

If there is one question I get more than any other, it is "how much should I order?" And if there is one mistake I see more than any other, it is ordering too much.

That sounds backwards. Most people worry about running short, so they size up to be safe. But the boards almost never run short. What actually happens is people end up with way more food than they needed, and depending on the event, that extra food does not always survive the day. So before we get into which size fits which occasion, I want to walk through the whole lineup and then get into the one rule that will save you money and food waste every time.

For One or Two People

If it is just you, or you and one other person, you do not need a full board.

Charcuterie Cups, $20 each. Individually portioned, no sharing required. These are great for a single indulgent night in, or when you want everyone at a small get-together to have their own without reaching across the table.

Charcuterie Cones, starting at $15. Available individually, or in stands of 5 ($85), 10 ($155), or 36 ($525). These are grab-and-go, built for mingling rather than sitting down, so they work well for cocktail hours or standing events.

Mini Board, $69. A 9x9 board built for 1 to 2 people. This is my go-to recommendation for a date night in, a quiet solo treat, or a small thank-you gift.

For a Small Gathering (5 to 6 People)

Small Charcuterie Board, $129. Our best seller. It comfortably serves 5 to 6 people as an appetizer spread, or works as a full meal for 2 to 3. Three cheeses, three cured meats, and everything that rounds it out.

Charcuterie Gift Box, $175. This one serves 6 to 8, but I built it as a gift first and a board second. It comes in an 11x14 wooden box with a glass cover, wrapped and ready to hand off, and you can even personalize it with cheese letters. If presentation matters as much as the food, this is the one.

For a Proper Get-Together (8 to 9 People)

Social Board, $239. A 14-inch Mikasa Lazy Susan built for 8 to 9 guests, with 4 cheeses and 4 cold cuts. This is what I recommend most for dinner parties, office celebrations, and weekend get-togethers where people are actually sitting around the table.

Medium Round Lazy Susan Charcuterie Board, $349. A 16-inch board built for 10 to 13 people. This is where things start to feel like a real spread rather than a snack.

For a Big Party (15 to 18)

Large Square Lazy Susan Charcuterie Board, $449. An 18x18 board built for 15 to 18 people, presented on a reusable Mikasa Lazy Susan tray. This is the centerpiece pick when you actually have a party to feed, not just a gathering.

For Corporate Orders and Bulk Gifting

Mini Charcuterie Box, $25 per box, minimum order of 5. Individually portioned in a 6.5x4.75 box, built for corporate events, real estate showings, gallery openings, grand openings, and any occasion where everyone needs their own box rather than one shared board.

For Weddings, Events, and Anything Custom

Custom Charcuterie Tower & Table, starting at $1,350. This is where the rule below matters most, and it is exactly why I do not let people book this one directly online. Every custom table is designed around your specific event, guest count, and what else is being served, which means it has to start with a conversation, not a checkout button.

The Rule I Always Give Clients

Here is the mistake I see most: someone is planning an event with several food vendors, maybe five different stations, and they order a grazing table sized for their full guest count as if it were the only food being served. It almost never is. When a board is one option among several, people take much smaller portions from it than they would if it were the meal.

My rule is simple. If the charcuterie is not the primary food at your event, cut your headcount estimate by 30 to 50 percent before you order. If it is the main food, order for your full number. I have watched this play out over and over with events that had multiple food vendors alongside a grazing table. The table always ends up with plenty left, sometimes more than plenty.

To be clear, guests taking food home is not a bad outcome. But leftover charcuterie sitting out at an outdoor event in the heat, or even indoors for hours, can spoil before anyone gets to take it anywhere. That is a real risk, not just a waste of money. It is exactly why I require a conversation before booking any custom table. Every event is different, and getting the number right the first time protects both your budget and your food.

Charcuterie Sizing at a Glance

• Charcuterie Cups, $20 each, individually portioned
• Charcuterie Cones, $15 to $525 depending on quantity, grab-and-go
• Mini Board, $69, serves 1 to 2
• Small Charcuterie Board, $129, serves 5 to 6 (or a full meal for 2 to 3)
• Charcuterie Gift Box, $175, serves 6 to 8, gift-focused
• Social Board, $239, serves 8 to 9
• Medium Round Lazy Susan Board, $349, serves 10 to 13
• Large Square Lazy Susan Board, $449, serves 15 to 18
• Corporate Mini Box, $25 per box, minimum order of 5, individually portioned
• Custom Charcuterie Tower & Table, starting at $1,350, sized around your event

Charcuterie Sizing FAQs

How many people does a charcuterie board actually serve?
It depends on whether the board is the main food or one of several options. All the serving sizes above assume the board is a significant part of what is being eaten. If it is one of multiple food stations, plan for fewer people per board using the 30 to 50 percent rule above.

What if I am not sure which size to pick?
Reach out before you order. I would rather help you land on the right size than have you either run short or end up with more food than you need.

Can I book the Custom Table directly online?
No, and that is intentional. Every custom table is built around your specific event, so it starts with a conversation, not a checkout button.

Do prices change based on dietary needs?
Nut-free, gluten-free, pork-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available on most items upon request. Just let me know in advance, since same-day orders may not be able to accommodate special requests.

Whatever the size of your gathering, there is a board built for it. If you are still not sure, that is what I am here for.

— Karreno