October is a month that feels a little bit magical—the leaves turn golden, evenings grow cozier, and suddenly gatherings call for something special. A charcuterie board is the perfect way to celebrate the season, and with a touch of magic, it can feel downright enchanting. Whether you’re building one for little trick-or-treaters or grown-ups sipping hard cider, here’s how to make it both beautiful and delicious.

 A Spellbinding Board for Kids
For children, think playful and colorful with a dash of Halloween fun. Cheese, apples, or cucumbers can be cut into shapes like pumpkins, bats, or stars using cookie cutters. Clementines become “mini pumpkins” with a tiny celery stick stem, while grapes and baby carrots add bursts of bright color. Add mini roll-ups or pinwheel sandwiches to give the board some heartiness, and sprinkle in candy corn, chocolate pretzels, or gummy worms for a sweet surprise. A few candy eyeballs placed on cheese cubes or fruit can transform the spread into something silly and spooky. Small bowls of ranch or hummus are perfect for dipping, like little cauldrons waiting to be discovered.

An Enchanting Spread for Adults
When crafting a board for adults, lean into the flavors of fall. Picture creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and a pumpkin spice goat cheese nestled alongside ribbons of prosciutto and salami roses. Seasonal fruits—figs, pears, and clusters of grapes—look almost jewel-like when scattered across the board, while pomegranate seeds sparkle like rubies. Add texture and warmth with crostini, spiced nuts, or roasted pumpkin slices, then balance with sweet notes of honey, fig jam, or apple butter. To finish, weave in sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, or tiny decorative gourds. These little details make the board look like something out of a harvest fairy tale.

 The Finishing Touch

Arrange your board like a storybook scene: dips in small bowls first, then clusters of cheeses, meats, fruits, and sweets building around them. Play with color contrasts and let ingredients spill over the edges for a magical, abundant look. With just a sprinkle of imagination, your October charcuterie board becomes more than food—it becomes a seasonal celebration.