How to Make a Charcuterie Bouquet (Cones)

Make Bouquet Wrapping (Cone)

1. Cut a piece of brown craft paper into a rectangular shape. I chose to make mine with dimensions of about 14x15 inches. Cut a piece of parchment paper of a similar size (whichever paper you choose for the inside of your bouquet wrapping should be just slightly larger so that it can peak out). Scallop the edges of either the parchment paper or craft paper and then layer the papers securing them in the center with tape or a small dot of glue. When layering, allow the paper on the inside (after folding) to peak out over the sides and top. Fold the sides in at an angle, creating almost a triangle but the sides should not meet at the bottom (think about leaving a hole as you would for the stems of flowers on an actual bouquet). Tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the middle to secure the wrapping.
2. Place the wrapping down on a working surface. This type of charcuterie board can be built directly on a tabletop or counter using a piece of butcher paper or parchment paper as a barrier between the working surface and the food. You can also build it using a large board (~24 inches long), a piece of cardboard, or a large rectangular garment/gift box (if you need to transport it) as the base.

Make the Salami Roses

1. Create a salami rose by placing a glass with a narrow mouth, like a champagne flute (shot glass, or small wine glass) right side up on a table. Begin by folding the salami in half along the rim of the glass. Each slice should overlap the previous one. Continue adding salami slices to the rim of the glass until the hole in the center closes. After completing the rose, flip the glass upside down against a hard surface and carefully slide the rose off the glass. Repeat making as many as you need and set them aside.

Assemble Charcuterie Bouquet (Cones)

1. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, begin cutting 3-4 hearts out of thinly sliced cheese and set aside.Begin by placing the salami roses inside the top portion of the bouquet wrapping.
2. Create an apple heart by slicing the side off from one apple (one apple can make up to two hearts by slicing the opposite sides off of the apple). Lay this apple slice skin side up, and slice it into about 1/8-inch slices. Form a heart by keeping the slices as one piece but arrange them so that the middle slice is the lowest point and then move each slice on either side of the middle slightly upwards, working your way out. The rounded slice on each end should be the highest point (see photo). Place the apple heart inside the bouquet.
3. Once the salami roses are placed, start working around them placing any large items that you are using, like single-serve champagne bottles, macarons, and bunches of grapes.
4. Layer in some greenery on the bottom before the board is filled up so that it can peak out in various areas.
5. Fill the space with medium-sized items like cubed cheese, yogurt-covered pretzels, and sliced fruit. Don’t be afraid to let some items sprawl from the top. This will help it look natural.
6. Finally, use small items like chocolates and nuts to close the gaps.
7. Finish the bouquet by sticking in some extra greenery and baby’s breath throughout and decorate it with hearts cut out of cheese, halved strawberries, or heart-shaped cookies.Serve immediately or wrap in plastic and transfer to the fridge.