5 Tips for Styling Your Slate Board
Hosting a gathering is an art, and nothing sets the stage quite like a beautifully curated charcuterie board. While wooden boards are a classic, Selbrae House slate trays offer a level of sophistication and versatility that is hard to match. Handcrafted in Scotland, these trays feature a deep, charcoal-black finish that makes the vibrant colors of your food pop. Below is a guide on why slate is the ultimate choice for your next event and how to style it like a pro.
Why Choose Selbrae House Slate?
Before we get to the styling, it's worth noting why slate is more than just a "pretty face" for your table:
- Temperature Control. Slate naturally stays cooler than wood, which helps keep your cheeses and cured meats fresh for longer during the party.
- Non-Porous Surface. Unlike wood, high-quality slate won't absorb odors, fats, or bacteria, making it incredibly easy to clean.
- Distinctive Detail. Selbrae House trays often feature unique accents like hand-finished antler or stainless steel handles, adding a touch of rustic luxury.
5 Tips For Styling Your Slate Board
1. Master the High Contrast Rule. The dark surface of the slate is your best asset. Use it to create visual drama by placing pale cheeses (like a creamy Brie or a sharp white Cheddar) and bright fruits, like pomegranate seeds or green grapes, directly on the stone. The contrast makes the food look more appetizing and gourmet.
2. Follow the 3-3-3-3 Rule. For a perfectly balanced board, aim for 3 of each serving category. For example..
- 3 Meats: Salami roses, prosciutto ribbons, and spicy chorizo.
- 3 Cheeses: One hard (Manchego), one soft (Brie), and one FUNKY (gorgonzola).
- 3 Starches: Baguette slices, water crackers, and breadsticks.
- 3 Accompaniments: Olives, honey and a seasonal fruit.
3. Create Movement with Meat and Crackers. Food looks more appetizing when it has depth and detail, don't just lay it flat. Create texture by folding your salami into quarters to make "fans", or piling prosciutto into loose, airy ribbons. For crackers, stack them in a river or a curved line that leads the eye across the board.
4. Fill the Gaps. While the slate is beautiful, a professional-looking board should look abundant. Once your main items are down, fill the small gaps with "fretwork" - small items like pistachios, dried apricots, or sprigs of fresh rosemary.
5. Add height with Ramekins. Place small bowls or ramekins on the tray first. These act as "anchors" for the board and are perfect for messy items like cornichons, fruit preserves, or spicy mustard. They also add height, making the spread look more three-dimensional.
PRO CARE TIPS
Cleaning: To keep your Selbrae House slate looking deep black and lustrous, occasionally rub a few drops of food-grade mineral oil into the surface with a lint-free cloth (avoiding the engraved section). This protects the stone and restores its rich, dark tone. If oil does come into contact with the engraved design, create a paste using bicarbonate of soda and water. Apply the paste to the design, allow it to sit for 15 minutes to draw out the oil, and then wash it off thoroughly to restore the original appearance. Remember to dry the board thoroughly afterwards.
Knife Use: Be mindful when using sharp knives on the slate surface as it may create marks or scratches, and provably isn't good for your knives.