Five years ago, a culinary journey began that has since transformed countless gatherings and inspired a global community of food lovers. Today, we celebrate a momentous milestone: the fifth anniversary of my debut cookbook, Beautiful Boards. This book was born from a passion for crafting visually stunning and incredibly delicious food boards, designed to make every occasion, from intimate family dinners to grand celebrations, truly unforgettable. Join me in commemorating half a decade of bringing joy, creativity, and connection to kitchens and dining tables around the world through the art of food boards.
Celebrating Five Years of Creative, Beautiful, and Delicious Food Boards
It’s truly astonishing to realize that five incredible years have passed since the publication of Beautiful Boards. This book, which I lovingly refer to as my “first book baby,” represents so much more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a testament to the power of shared meals and the joy of creative expression through food. I am filled with immense pride at how this cookbook has resonated with so many individuals across the globe, becoming a cherished guide for crafting exquisite food boards for any occasion.
My initial vision for Beautiful Boards was to share my deep love for creating imaginative, aesthetically pleasing, and absolutely delicious grazing boards. What started as a personal passion project quickly blossomed into something far greater than I ever imagined. It has evolved into a trusted resource, an inspiring guide, and a foundational pillar within the flourishing food board industry. Seeing the community embrace these concepts and elevate their entertaining with ease has been a profoundly rewarding experience.
The most humbling aspect of this journey has been witnessing Beautiful Boards become a staple in your kitchens, a centerpiece at your festive gatherings, and an integral part of your most cherished family moments. Knowing that this cookbook has inspired countless meals, facilitated memorable celebrations, and fostered deeper connections among loved ones fills my heart with an indescribable joy. It’s truly amazing to reflect on how a simple passion for arranging food could have such a widespread and enduring impact, sparking creativity and delight in homes everywhere.
I am incredibly proud of the phenomenon that Beautiful Boards has become and, even more so, of the vibrant community it has fostered. Your unwavering creativity, infectious enthusiasm, and profound love for these imaginative serving boards have continually fueled my own passion. It’s a privilege to be on this journey with all of you, creating delicious memories one board at a time.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Community
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for opening your homes and hearts to Beautiful Boards, and for embracing the concept of creative appetizer boards and meal boards. Your continued support and willingness to share your stunning board creations with me means the world. Every tag, every photo, every message reinforces the idea that food is a powerful medium for connection and celebration. I genuinely believe that this cookbook will remain a special part of your celebrations, big or small, and your everyday gatherings for many years to come.
Please keep sharing your unique board ideas, continue tagging me @thebakermama on Instagram, and most importantly, keep making those delicious memories with the people you cherish. Your creativity inspires me daily, and together, we’re building a beautiful legacy of shared meals and joyful moments.
Beautiful Boards: Fast Facts & Global Reach
- Published on September 24, 2019: The day Beautiful Boards officially entered the world, ready to inspire countless home cooks and entertainers with its innovative approach to creative food boards.
- Over 11,000 Reviews and 5 Stars on Amazon: This incredible number of reviews, predominantly five-star ratings, speaks volumes about the cookbook’s impact and reader satisfaction. It’s a testament to the practical, beautiful, and delicious recipes and board ideas found within its pages, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to elevate their entertaining game.
- Beautiful Boards is Sold in Over 35 Countries! From cozy kitchens in Europe to bustling homes in Asia, the appeal of artfully arranged grazing boards knows no geographical bounds. This wide distribution highlights the universal desire to connect over good food and beautiful presentation.
- Published in 5 Languages So Far: English, French, German, Spanish, and Dutch: To cater to its diverse international audience, Beautiful Boards has been translated into multiple languages, allowing more people to access these innovative board recipes. For the foreign co-editions, a thoughtful adjustment was made: we replaced the American Flag Board with a vibrant Spanish Tapas Board, a creation I designed specifically to resonate with local culinary traditions and preferences, ensuring cultural relevance and broad appeal.
- Behind the Scenes: The Journey of Creation: We had an absolute blast putting together the Behind the Scenes look at the making of Beautiful Boards. The journey, from the very first discussion with my publisher in 2018 to those intense 21-hour days of conceptualizing, meticulously photographing, and eloquently writing the content, was a whirlwind. There were moments where I questioned what I had embarked upon, acknowledging it as one of the hardest creative endeavors I had ever undertaken. Yet, standing here today, celebrating its fifth anniversary, I can confidently say I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it. Every challenge, every late night, every creative hurdle contributed to the masterpiece it became, a true labor of love that continues to bring joy to so many.
Did You Know? The Evolution of a Best-Selling Title
Before it became the beloved cookbook we know today, my first culinary endeavor had a different working title: Boards Galore. We even reached a stage where a cover was designed and the title publicly announced. However, as the project progressed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that “Boards Galore” didn’t fully encapsulate the unique blend of creativity, elegance, and beauty that defined the food boards within the book. I felt it understated the artistry and the inspirational aspect.
This realization led to several rounds of title changes and multiple cover options, a period of intense creative deliberation. It was a crucial phase to ensure the book’s identity perfectly matched its content. Finally, everyone involved, including myself, fell completely in love with the title Beautiful Boards. It perfectly captured the essence of the cookbook: not just a multitude of boards, but boards that are inherently beautiful in their design and execution. The chosen cover, too, was a triumph, truly showcasing the stunning visual appeal of the charcuterie boards, snack boards, and dessert boards contained within. In my opinion, it was the perfect title paired with the perfect visual representation, setting the stage for its eventual success.
A Bestseller from Day One: The Enduring Appeal of Beautiful Boards
When Beautiful Boards first launched in September 2019, the reception was overwhelming. We honestly had no idea just how popular it would become, and the demand far exceeded our initial projections. Stores simply couldn’t keep it in stock! Each time we managed to complete a reprint, copies would sell out almost instantly. This rapid sell-out phenomenon, while exciting, also led to frustration for eager readers who couldn’t get their hands on a copy, and for me, as I wanted everyone to experience the joy of these creative food board ideas. This challenging but ultimately rewarding cycle continued for a few years until we finally honed our printing estimates to meet the continuously growing demands of its passionate audience.
Five years later, Beautiful Boards proudly maintains its status as a perennial best-selling cookbook on Amazon and at most major retailers. This sustained popularity is a powerful testament to its timeless appeal and the innovative entertaining solutions it provides. While it’s already gracing hundreds of thousands of homes worldwide, I truly believe there are still so many more households out there that would absolutely adore it, find endless inspiration within its pages, and create countless happy memories using its easy-to-follow recipes. And so, my mission to share the joy of Beautiful Boards continues!
Your Voice Matters: Share Your Five-Star Review!
Are you one of the many who have discovered the magic of Beautiful Boards? If you’ve enjoyed creating stunning charcuterie boards, delightful dessert boards, or festive holiday boards from your copy, why not take a moment to LEAVE A REVIEW on Amazon? Your feedback is incredibly valuable, not just to me, but to other aspiring entertainers and home cooks.
Even if you purchased your copy from a different retailer, you can still share your thoughts and experiences on Amazon. Your honest review helps others understand the immense value and inspiration this creative and fun cookbook offers. A glowing review could be the very thing that inspires someone else to buy or gift Beautiful Boards, opening up a world of delightful food board ideas and memorable gatherings. Let your experience encourage another to discover the joy of board building!
My Favorite Boards from Beautiful Boards: A Personal Selection
Choosing my favorite boards from Beautiful Boards feels a lot like picking a favorite child – it’s incredibly difficult because I truly pour my heart and soul into every single creation in this book! Each board holds special memories of its initial creation, and the joy of sharing them with my loved ones. Many of these easy board recipes have become regular fixtures in our home, whether for everyday family meals, when entertaining friends, or, of course, for every holiday celebration. If I absolutely had to narrow it down to the ones we build and enjoy most often, these three would top the list:
Pancake Board – This board isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished family tradition. Every weekend, our family gathers to enjoy a magnificent Pancake Board, laden with fluffy pancakes, fresh berries, crispy bacon, a variety of syrups, and whipped cream. It’s one of those delightful experiences that I know my children will remember fondly from their childhood and, hopefully, carry forward as a tradition with their own families someday. It’s an ideal breakfast board for a cozy morning.
S’mores Board – Oh, the S’mores Board! There are endless fun and creative ways to construct and savor this delightful dessert board. We recreate it all the time, whether it’s for a sweet and satisfying end to a long week or a fun activity with friends on a Saturday night. It’s wonderfully versatile – you can go all out with an expansive spread for a large crowd, or keep it beautifully simple and small for a memorable family dessert on a quiet Sunday evening. It’s a guaranteed hit that brings smiles and delicious sticky fingers!
Classic Charcuterie and Cheese Board – This is a board I will never, ever get bored of serving! The Classic Charcuterie and Cheese Board offers one of the most enjoyable and interactive dining experiences to build and graze on with friends and family. It’s the quintessential way to kick off any gathering, big or small. Everyone truly delights in the experience of sampling different combinations of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and various accompaniments like olives, fruits, and crackers that I meticulously arrange on the board. It’s sophisticated, satisfying, and always a conversation starter, making it a timeless choice for any entertaining occasion.
The Internet’s Favorites: Most Re-created Boards from Beautiful Boards
It brings me immense joy to see how many of the creative board ideas I developed for Beautiful Boards have gone viral over the years. They have truly inspired people all over the world to recreate them, adding their own personal flair. Seeing individuals take these concepts and make them their own fills me with incredible happiness and reinforces the community spirit around board building.
Candy Cane Caprese. This is perhaps the easiest board in the entire book to recreate, yet it consistently delivers a show-stopping “wow” factor for any holiday crowd! Its festive shape, vibrant colors of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves make it an instant hit and an incredibly popular choice for seasonal appetizer boards. It’s simple elegance perfected.
Pumpkin Snack Board. This is another fan favorite because it’s not only easy to build but universally loved. It’s an incredibly fun and engaging activity to create with the family, especially during the fall season. Once you build and enjoy this delightful snack board for the first time, it’s almost guaranteed to become a cherished annual tradition, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your autumn gatherings.
American Flag Snack Board – This board holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the very first shaped-themed boards I created that truly captured public attention and has been recreated countless times for patriotic holidays over the years. I spontaneously crafted this board back in July 2018, simply wanting to serve something festive for the 4th of July. Its immediate popularity really opened my eyes to the potential beyond classic cheese and charcuterie boards or standard meal/snack boards I was already regularly making. From that moment, I was continuously inspired to think of new, fun, and inventive ways to arrange our foods for specific holidays and themed occasions, leading to the diverse collection of themed food boards found in Beautiful Boards.
Behind the Scenes: Boards That Didn’t Make the Cut
Not every brilliant idea makes it into the final product, and Beautiful Boards was no exception. Here are a couple of boards that, despite their initial promise, ultimately didn’t make the cut for various reasons, offering a glimpse into the meticulous selection process:
- Baby Reveal Board: This board, designed for gender reveal parties, was almost complete when a crucial oversight struck me. We were literally in the midst of photographing it when I realized the centerpiece featured Brie cheese. Pregnant women are advised against consuming soft cheeses like Brie, and it immediately dawned on me how unsuitable this was for a baby reveal concept! Why didn’t I just feature a cute cake in the middle instead? That would have been so much better and appropriate. Regardless, since we never found out the gender of our own babies before their births, I wasn’t as personally invested in this board concept to begin with. The focus on accessibility and suitability for its intended audience is always paramount.
- Willy Wonka Board: I absolutely adored the whimsical look and magical theme of this Willy Wonka-inspired board! It was a feast for the eyes, bursting with colorful candies and fantastical treats. However, it presented two significant challenges that ultimately led to its exclusion. Firstly, it proved quite tricky and time-consuming to build, requiring a specific arrangement of many different elements. Secondly, and more importantly, finding all the unique and specialized ingredients for this board was not easily accessible for the average home cook. My core philosophy for Beautiful Boards was to ensure that every board recipe would be easy to build, and that ingredients would be readily available to most. While it remains super cute inspiration for all the Wonka lovers out there, it didn’t align with the book’s commitment to simplicity and accessibility.
Instagram: The Platform That Launched Beautiful Boards
I am profoundly grateful for Instagram. It has been an absolutely amazing platform for me to not only share my evolving food board creations but also to inspire countless others to recreate them, adapt them, and ultimately, connect with a vibrant, supportive community of people who share a deep love for serving beautiful grazing boards over the years. The visual nature of Instagram was perfectly suited to showcase the artistry and deliciousness of these boards, allowing me to reach a wide audience.
The overwhelmingly positive response and engagement I’ve received through Instagram over the years have continually encouraged me to push my creative boundaries and explore even more imaginative concepts for board building. I truly recognize and deeply appreciate that if I hadn’t started sharing my initial food board creations on Instagram all those years ago, I simply wouldn’t be where I am today. More specifically, it was through this platform that I connected with my incredible publisher, who reached out to me directly via Instagram after following my journey and falling in love with the visually appealing and inspiring content I was consistently sharing.
Just browsing through the hashtag #boardsbythebakermama fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s a powerful reminder that I’ve been given a unique platform to share this passion and unleash my creativity. It also fills me with immense pride for the incredible community we have collectively built over the years—a community dedicated to creating delicious memories with these boards that we’ll all cherish forever. The collaborative spirit and shared love for beautiful food are truly inspiring.
Here are some memorable milestones we shared together on Instagram:
- Early Inspirations: February 2014 and April 2014: My journey into board building truly began when my dad, a passionate woodworker, started mailing us his beautiful handcrafted wooden boards while we lived in Boston (2009-2011). We’d host our business school friends, and I’d use these boards to serve appetizers and treats. My real passion for crafting elaborate charcuterie and cheese boards bloomed around 2012, shortly after our twins were born. We started having these charming “date nights in,” always beginning with a little cheese board. From there, my creativity exploded; I explored every imaginable food item that could be served on a board and perfected the art of arrangement to make each occasion extra special and delicious. I was undoubtedly at the very forefront of the creative food boards movement. All these years later, I still absolutely adore building boards, serving them, sharing board building inspiration, and witnessing the sheer enjoyment people get from them!
- The Big Reveal: Beautiful BoardsAnnouncement: The thrilling moment when I first announced to the world that my dream of a cookbook was becoming a reality, sparking immense excitement among my followers.
- A First Look: OpeningBeautiful Boardsfor the First Time: Sharing the raw, emotional experience of receiving and opening my very first published copy of the cookbook, a truly surreal and unforgettable moment.
- Public Debut: First Week ofBeautiful BoardsBeing Published: Documenting the overwhelming initial reception, the rapid sell-outs, and the incredible support during the crucial first week of the book’s release.
- An Exclusive Peek: Behind the Scenes Video: A special video offering followers an exclusive glimpse into the intense yet rewarding process of creating and photographing the boards for the cookbook.
Boards by The BakerMama: From Cookbook to Craftsmanship
My enduring love for building food boards naturally culminated in the creation of my cookbook, Beautiful Boards. But this passion also paved the way for another exciting venture: a dedicated wood board business, which proudly introduced our beloved Signature Board!
For years, my wonderful followers consistently asked me where I sourced the beautiful wooden boards featured in my creations. Responding to this overwhelming demand, in November 2019, I launched Boards by The BakerMama. This enterprise began with my incredibly talented father’s beautifully handcrafted wood boards, alongside signed copies of my cookbooks. The synergy was immediate. Then, in December 2020, we unveiled The Signature Board, which has since become our unparalleled best-seller. These exquisitely designed boards are the perfect canvas for all the board building favorites and unique, delicious creations found within my books, making them an essential tool for any aspiring board artist.
Beautiful Boards: Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
To further inspire your culinary creativity and help you navigate the wonderful world of food boards, here are some frequently asked questions about Beautiful Boards, complete with expert answers:
- Which board would be the ultimate crowd-pleaser for a party with friends? For a lively party with friends, the Chips and Dips Board is an absolute winner and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its interactive nature and the sheer variety it offers make it perfect for communal snacking. You can feature an array of crispy chips, from classic tortilla to gourmet vegetable crisps, alongside a diverse selection of delicious dips – think creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, rich hummus, or a savory spinach dip. It’s fun, approachable, and ensures there’s something to satisfy every palate, sparking conversations and smiles.
- What’s the most unexpected ingredient combination in the cookbook? The true beauty of all the boards within Beautiful Boards lies in their ability to bring together a surprising variety of different flavors and textures, creating an enjoyable experience when snacked on together. One of the most visually exciting and surprisingly delicious boards to assemble and graze on is the Football Board. It creatively features a variety of crunchy brown snacks, like pretzels, various crackers, and nuts, meticulously shaped like a football in the center. Surrounding this ‘field,’ you’ll find an abundance of fresh green fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, kiwi, cucumber, and broccoli, complemented by vibrant green dips like pesto or creamy avocado. It all works together seamlessly when arranged and served at football watch parties, offering a playful yet tasty spread.
- Can I find a board that doubles as a fun DIY activity? Absolutely! Many of the boards in this book are designed to be like crafting with food, making them incredibly fun and engaging to build. Almost all of the holiday boards, for instance, are creatively shaped – think the delightful Turkey Board for Thanksgiving, the festive Pumpkin Board for autumn, or even a charming Santa-shaped board for Christmas. The process of building these boards is immensely satisfying because not only do they look absolutely amazing, but they taste even better! It’s a wonderful way to involve everyone in the preparation.
- Are there any boards in the book that are interactive? Yes, indeed! So many of the boards in Beautiful Boards are thoughtfully designed to be interactive, enhancing the enjoyment as you graze. For example, there’s a fantastic Build-Your-Own Taco Board, allowing everyone to customize their perfect taco, and even a sophisticated Mix-Your-Own Mimosa Board, perfect for brunch. For kids, the After School Snack Board provides ingredients for them to creatively build their own “ants on a log” or “fish in a river.” The S’mores Board is endlessly fun for everyone to assemble and then proudly brag about their unique s’mores creations. There’s also a Decorate-Your-Own Cupcake Board, perfect for a kids’ party or a fun girls’ night in, and a Build-Your-Own Sundae Board that people absolutely go crazy over! The vast majority of these boards are crafted with interaction and engagement in mind.
- Is there a dessert board that’s perfect for satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth? For a dessert board that truly satisfies every sweet tooth, I highly recommend the Chocolate Fondue Board. It’s a fantastic choice because it offers a delightful variety of chocolate and non-chocolate sweet treats, alongside an assortment of fresh fruits. The beauty is that dipping them into the luscious chocolate is entirely optional, of course! I also love that it encourages grazing, allowing guests to enjoy as little or as much as they desire from a wide selection of small, satisfying treats. It’s an elegant yet playful way to end any meal.
- What’s the most Instagram-worthy board in the book? Without a doubt, the Candy Cane Caprese Board is one of the most recreated and shared boards from Beautiful Boards on Instagram. You first saw this innovative concept within my cookbook, and it has truly taken over the internet and become a staple for people’s holiday celebrations. Its visually stunning presentation, forming a festive candy cane shape with vibrant red tomatoes and white mozzarella, combined with its incredible simplicity to prepare, makes it an instant social media sensation. It will always impress and ‘wow’ any crowd!
- Does the book have any boards for movie night? Oh yes, absolutely! There’s a dedicated board designed just for movie night that is truly a showstopper! It features a delightful variety of popcorns, from classic buttered to gourmet flavors, along with an assortment of candies and other munchies perfect for snacking throughout your film. Beyond that, we’ve also thoroughly enjoyed serving the Pizza Lovers Board while watching a movie as a family. It’s such a fun and interactive way to enjoy your favorite cinematic experiences with delicious food!
- Is there a board that I can serve for breakfast or brunch that will feed a crowd? For a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch, the Bagel Board is one of my absolute favorite options. I adore its versatility and ease of serving for a large group. It allows you to set out a wide array of freshly sliced bagels alongside an extensive selection of spreads, such as various cream cheeses, butter, jams, and even savory options like smoked salmon, capers, and sliced red onion. The best part is that it can sit out for a while without the worry of keeping foods warm, and its countless topping options are sure to satisfy everyone’s preferences, making it a perfect interactive brunch centerpiece.
- Which board would be best for a romantic date night? For an intimate and romantic date night, the Date Night In Board is simply perfect. It’s designed to be simple yet incredibly special, focusing on gourmet elements that encourage lingering and conversation. Think artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, olives, and perhaps some dark chocolate. As you nibble on the different combinations, it naturally sparks delightful conversation and connection. It also pairs wonderfully with a great bottle of wine, setting the ideal mood for a cozy evening at home.
- Are there any kid-friendly boards in the cookbook? Absolutely! Beautiful Boards is packed with so many fun and playful boards that kids get incredibly excited about helping to build and, of course, devour. The Summer Fun Board is an adorable option to build with children as a delightful summer activity, featuring bright fruits and kid-friendly snacks. The Rainbow Board is another fantastic way to engage them, getting them excited about snacking on a colorful variety of fruits and veggies, making healthy eating an adventure. These boards are designed to be visually appealing and interactive, making mealtime a joyous experience for little ones.
- Which board is the best for experimenting with gourmet cheeses or meats? If you’re looking to explore new and exotic charcuterie meats and cheeses, I would highly recommend starting with the design and assortment presented in the Classic Charcuterie and Cheese Board. This foundational layout provides an excellent framework for balance and presentation. From there, you can mix and match, confidently substituting with different, unique meats, cheeses, and interesting accompaniments that you discover from specialty shops or your travels. It’s the perfect starting point for any gourmet adventure.
- What’s the most creative use of leftovers on a board? The Cobb Salad Board stands out as an incredibly creative and practical solution for utilizing leftovers. It’s ideal for repurposing cooked meats, cheeses, and various veggies you might have on hand from other meals throughout the week. We absolutely love building salad boards towards the end of the week when we have a little bit of this and a little bit of that leftover. These odds and ends are perfect for topping a big bowl of fresh lettuce, creating a completely new and exciting meal. In fact, my own kids, who once shunned salads, actually fell in love with them when I started serving these interactive salad boards many years ago!
- Does the book feature any seasonal boards? Yes, absolutely! I meticulously crafted a unique board for each season of the year, ensuring there’s always fresh inspiration for your seasonal gatherings. The Springtime Board is incredibly cute and evokes feelings of pure happiness with its vibrant, fresh flavors. The Summer Fun Board not only looks fantastic but makes you feel like you’re enjoying the best day at the beach, brimming with refreshing treats. For autumn, there’s the Fall Feast Board, featuring a most delicious variety of fall-flavored snacks surrounding a spiced pumpkin cheese ball. And to complete the year, the Winter Wonderland Board showcases a charming snowman crafted from Brie cheese in the center, surrounded by a delightful array of accompaniments that perfectly complement the rich, creamy cheese, creating a truly festive spread for winter celebrations.
Thank you all so incredibly much for building all these delicious memories with me and for your continuous, heartwarming support of Beautiful Boards. It truly means the world to me to see how this book has become a part of your lives and celebrations. If you create any of my recipes fromBeautiful Boards, please make sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can celebrate your creativity! If you’re on Facebook, I’d love for you to join my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community space to connect, share your culinary triumphs, and discuss all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make. I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every delicious moment!
xoxo,
