Thanksgiving in Florida hits a little differently. While the rest of the country is bundled up in sweaters, we’re enjoying cool breezes, sunshine, and backyard gatherings that spill out onto patios and porches. And lately, there’s a new tradition making its way onto holiday tables across St. Petersburg and Tampa: the Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
It’s easy to see why. Charcuterie is fun, festive, and perfect for grazing while the turkey finishes roasting. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning on your holiday table (and on Instagram). Whether you’re hosting a family feast in South Tampa, a Friendsgiving in downtown St. Pete, or heading to a beachside get-together, a Thanksgiving-themed grazing board is the perfect way to kick things off.
Here’s how to put one together — and if you’d rather skip the prep, remember that SmorgasBoard offers local delivery across St. Petersburg and Tampa so you can enjoy the feast without the fuss.
Why a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Just Works
Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what charcuterie does best. Instead of everyone waiting around for dinner, guests can snack, mingle, and enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
A really great holiday grazing board should:
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Celebrate fall flavors (cranberry, pumpkin spice, maple, rosemary).
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Balance cheeses, meats, fruits, and sweets.
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Feel like a showpiece while still being easy to share.
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Give a nod to local Florida flavors, because hey, this is Tampa Bay!
Step 1: The Cheese Lineup
Cheese is the star, so pick varieties that feel warm and festive:
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Brie topped with cranberry chutney – creamy and holiday-ready.
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Sharp white cheddar – bold, classic, and crowd-pleasing.
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Smoked gouda – adds depth and pairs beautifully with cured meats.
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Goat cheese rolled in herbs or dried cranberries – tangy and seasonal.
Pro tip: Local markets like the Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete or Hyde Park Fresh Market in Tampa often have artisan cheeses. Adding something local makes your board feel one-of-a-kind.
Step 2: Meat Matters
Thanksgiving is all about turkey, but on a charcuterie board, you can mix it up:
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Prosciutto – delicate and salty.
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Salami or soppressata – bold and hearty.
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Smoked turkey slices – a holiday nod.
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Honey ham – a little sweet, a little savory.
For presentation, fold or fan meats so the board looks full and inviting. (Bonus: salami roses are always a showstopper.)
Step 3: Fruits & Veggies That Feel Like Fall
Even in Florida, you can bring in that cozy seasonal vibe:
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Sliced pears and apples (toss with lemon juice to keep them fresh).
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Clementines – bright, juicy, and very “Florida Thanksgiving.”
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Roasted butternut squash cubes – unique and colorful.
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Cranberries – fresh, dried, or even sugared for sparkle.
Veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or roasted Brussels sprouts skewers add crunch and balance.
Step 4: Crackers & Bread
Every great board needs a solid base:
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Rosemary crackers – aromatic and festive.
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Mini crostini or baguette slices – perfect for piling on toppings.
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Gluten-free crackers – thoughtful and inclusive.
Local tip: Grab fresh baguettes from Black Crow Coffee’s bakery counter in St. Pete or BellaBrava in Tampa to keep it local.
Step 5: Sweet Little Extras
A Thanksgiving board isn’t complete without a few sweets:
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Pumpkin spice truffles
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Maple-glazed pecans or candied walnuts
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Dark chocolate squares
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Gingersnaps or pumpkin cookies
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Local honey straws (a SmorgasBoard favorite!)
These treats balance the savory flavors and give guests a little surprise bite.
Step 6: Dips & Spreads
Dips tie everything together. For Thanksgiving, go with:
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Cranberry chutney
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Fig jam
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Pumpkin butter
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Herbed cream cheese
Use small bowls or ramekins to keep things neat and colorful.
Step 7: Style It Like a Pro
The beauty of a charcuterie board is that it’s edible art. To make it pop:
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Place big items first (cheeses, bowls of dips).
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Add meats and crackers next.
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Fill in with fruits, nuts, and chocolates.
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Garnish with fresh rosemary or sage sprigs for that cozy holiday feel.
Your guests will be snapping photos before they even take a bite.
Add a Tampa Bay Twist
Want to make your board truly local? Try incorporating:
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Florida citrus slices
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Local honey from St. Pete markets
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Guava paste (a nod to Tampa’s Cuban heritage)
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Plantain chips for a tropical crunch
It’s a subtle way to say, “Yes, this is a Thanksgiving board — Florida style.”
How Much Food Do You Need?
This is the million-dollar question. A quick guide:
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As an appetizer: 3–4 oz per person.
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As a meal (like a Friendsgiving grazing night): 6–8 oz per person.
So if you’re hosting 10 guests and charcuterie is the main event, plan for 4–5 pounds of food total. (And let’s be real — no one in Tampa Bay complains about leftovers.)
Make It Easy with SmorgasBoard
Creating a gorgeous charcuterie board takes time, and let’s face it — Thanksgiving is already busy enough. That’s where we come in. At SmorgasBoard, we create beautiful, seasonal charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and charcuterie cups, and yes — we offer local delivery in St. Petersburg and Tampa.
So whether you want to wow your family with a board full of holiday flavors or impress friends at a beachside Friendsgiving, we’ll deliver straight to your door so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving in Tampa Bay is all about gathering, sharing, and celebrating. A Thanksgiving charcuterie board checks all those boxes — it’s beautiful, festive, and delicious. And whether you build your own or let SmorgasBoard deliver one to your doorstep, it’s guaranteed to make your holiday table shine.
