Variety is Key: Make sure your have a mix of tastes and textures – soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses, creamy pate, chewy salami, crunchy crackers, salty olives, sweet fresh fruit or preserves.

Get the Right Board: There are so many options, like wood, marble and ceramic, but Leia recommends using one with a  neutral colour and non-busy background – it lets the colours of food be the main attraction.

Make It Local: Your board is the perfect place to shine a spotlight on local food producers making world-class cheeses and charcuterie, dips, preserves, condiments, crackers and more.

Add Some Height: Elevate your board by adding vertical interest – try bread sticks or long crackers in a short vase or cup, stacked cheese cubes, or even a triangular block of hard cheese placed on its end.

Don’t Forget the Dips, Condiments and Preserves: This is great place to introduce other flavours and textures.

Final Touches: Add some fresh edible blossoms from your garden, local berries, fresh figs, dried apricots or mangoes and sprigs of fresh herbs.