Make sure you assemble the board just before serving so everything is fresh
Always include crackers, breadsticks or bread to use as a vessel for cheeses or dips
Use small bowls or ramekins to hold small items and dips, like olives, nuts and chutneys
Use a good variety of ingredients. For example, aim for one hard and one soft cheese, two or three different cured meats, and a few varieties of fruits and nuts
If you use larger fruits, like figs or clementines, chop and tear them into different shapes, so that the fruit is easier to pick up and looks more appealing on the platter
Swirl any dips into ramekins, and top with olive oil, seeds or chopped herbs
Fill in any gaps on your platter with bay leaves or rosemary sprigs to decorate
Bundle any cured meats into nests, or roll or fold to create a variety of textures