Arrowhead Directional Board (Printable)

A dynamic board featuring angled cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts arranged around a dip bowl.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cut into triangles
02 - 3.5 oz brie, sliced into wedges
03 - 3.5 oz gouda, cut into strips

→ Meats (omit for vegetarian)

04 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, folded
05 - 3.5 oz salami, sliced and folded

→ Fresh Produce

06 - 1 cup seedless grapes, cut into small clusters
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 small cucumber, sliced diagonally
09 - 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into strips

→ Crackers & Bread

10 - 1 cup artisan crackers
11 - 1 small baguette, sliced on the bias

→ Nuts & Extras

12 - ½ cup marcona almonds
13 - ¼ cup dried apricots
14 - ¼ cup olives

→ Dips & Spreads

15 - 100 ml herbed hummus or whipped feta dip (about ⅓ cup)

# Directions:

01 - Place the dip bowl at one end or corner of the board to establish the arrowhead focal point.
02 - Fan out cheese wedges and triangles so their points face the dip bowl, radiating from the opposite side.
03 - If using, arrange folded prosciutto and salami in lines directed toward the dip to maintain visual flow.
04 - Place vegetables and fruit diagonally so slices and clusters angle toward the dip bowl.
05 - Arrange crackers and bread slices in radiating lines oriented toward the dip bowl.
06 - Scatter marcona almonds, dried apricots, and olives along the lines between main components to reinforce the directionality.
07 - Fill gaps and balance the arrangement, keeping all elements angled toward the dip bowl.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 25 minutes but looks like you spent hours planning—your guests will genuinely be amazed
  • The directional flow creates natural conversation starters and makes people feel intentional, like you arranged it just for them
  • You get to customize it completely based on what's in your kitchen, so it's endlessly adaptable to your taste and dietary needs
02 -
  • The most important lesson I learned the hard way: prepare everything else first, then place the dip bowl last. If you fill around it, things shift and your careful arrangement falls apart.
  • Use parchment paper under very wet items like tomatoes—it protects the board and stops vegetables from pooling moisture that ruins your presentation.
  • Don't prep more than an hour ahead unless your kitchen is cold. Cheeses sweat, meats curl, and vegetables wilt faster than you'd think.
03 -
  • Use your hands more than utensils when arranging—you can feel the balance and adjust angles in ways a knife can't help with. Trust your eye and your instinct.
  • Keep the dip slightly cold in the fridge until the last moment, then nestle it in at the end. A cold center against room-temperature foods creates a small luxury moment when someone takes that first bite.
  • Take a photo before anyone eats. Your arrangement has taken work, and you deserve a record of it. Plus, these photos actually make people happy in group chats—there's something about intentional beauty that matters.
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