Move over salami and cheese, there’s a new charcuterie board in town: the dessert charcuterie board! Packed with cookies, chocolate, candy, and more, this sweet treat ups your dessert game in a big way. Wondering how to make a dessert charcuterie platter? Check out our tips on how to get one just right for Halloween.
While this particular board is all about the Buffalo Bills, you can fashion your own using themed treats and colors to make it personal. There’s no end to possibilities: NHL, MLB, MLS—you can go all out all year long.
Chocolate Charcuterie Board
Chocoholics unite! This cocoa-inspired dessert board is one for the senses. The rich colors make it a great holiday option, or even for a mom's night out.
Movie night just got a whole lot better. This film-themed board brings your fave cinema treats to your fingertips, with options like popcorn, licorice, and gummy bears, all you have to do is press "play."
Cookies, rice krispie treats, fruit—oh, my! This chocolate fondue board is full of ooey-gooey deliciousness that is just as fun to eat as it is to put together.
Muted-colored food never looked so gorgeous. This baby shower-worthy dessert board has meringues, donuts, chocolate, and fruit—the perfect combo you want in a jaw-dropping spread.
You can truly taste the rainbow with this colorful dessert charcuterie board. Sweet circular cookies are paired with coordinating sprinkles and candy for an eye-popping dessert you can't resist.
Hop on into spring with this sweet board packed with bunny-themed treats. Whether you create this for Easter Sunday or for a class party, everyone will want a little bit of this spread.
Who needs a fancy dinner when you can dig into this Valentine's Day Grazing board? Packed with salty and sweet treats, the colorful candies tie in the holiday of love perfectly.
Goodbye, birthday cake. Hello, birthday dessert charcuterie! Everyone at your party will find something to love with this diverse spread. Pack with the best treats that birthdays have to offer, from cookies and cupcakes to donuts and chocolate-dipped fruit (with sprinkles, of course!).
This dessert charcuterie board is the perfect way to say "I love you." Pack with your fave cookies, and chocolate fruit—and don't forget those conversation hearts!
Celebrate the New Year with lots of sweet and savory foods found in this Armenian dessert board. There’s something for everyone, including baklava, gata, Greek koorabia, Bird’s milk cake, fruits and nuts.
Summer sun means ice cream fun! If you want an afternoon of deliciousness, you can’t top an ice cream sundae bar. With creative cones, tasty toppings, and whimsical decorations, it’s enough to make anyone scream for ice cream. We’ve got the scoop on ice cream bar ideas that include homemade sundae cups, creative displays, and even homemade ice cream that you’ll love.
Say goodbye to regular old bowls forever. These are made with classic ingredients and shaped using a muffin tin. Get all the details and the full recipe here!
Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Pops
The Girl Inspired
Store-bought sandwiches never looked so cute! These easy-to-make pops are perfect for little hands, easy to customize with any type of sprinkles, and make a great option for a party for little ones. Get the easy instructions over at The Girl Inspired.
Did you know you can make your own version of this classic ice cream topping right at home? You can, and even better, you can add extra goodies, like Heath Bar. See above!
What’s more fun to eat than ice cream? An ice cream sandwich! Offer a selection of ice cream flavors, a variety of cookies, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips. Let guests choose their adventure!
If you’ve got one of these collecting dust in your cabinet, bring it out and use it to create more space on your ice cream bar. Plus, it’ll make you look fancy.
Adding a simple sign to your display makes the event a bit sweeter, don’t you think?
Scoop Ahead of Time
Kojo Designs
We’re always on the hunt for hints to make our parties look a little more seamless. This clever tip comes from Kojo Designs. Scoop your ice cream in advance and put it back in the freezer until it’s party time. It makes for a delectable display, and you’ll get to spend time with your guests rather than with the ice cream scoop.
Keep It Simple
Steve Shreve via Unsplash
If you love the whole “ice cream bar” idea, but it seems a tad unrealistic to you, especially on a hot day, try a very simple method. Set out your cones and anything non-perishable in advance, then just before your party peoples are ready for their treats, keep the ice cream in its pints and set it in a bowl of ice. Make tiny labels to make it look chic—they can have the flavors of the ice cream or just simple words, like “celebrate.”
Ready to amp up your summer soiree? Say hello to the charcuterie board! From dessert and holiday platters to the ever-popular birthday board, these varietal trays make mealtime fun. We’ve rounded up some of the best summer charcuterie board ideas, like a hamburger board, summer fruit platter, and of course, a s’mores board. Keep scrolling!
Kick the summer off with this simple charcuterie board. It boasts a gorgeous color palette, and easy-to-find ingredients and is the perfect way to embrace the laid-back vibes of the season.
Summer fruit is featured in all its glory in this stunning board! Grab all the peaches, nectarines, and cherries you can find to arrange with sides like honey and cheese.
There's a little bit of everything on this board. Perfect for backyard gatherings in between meals, pile this charcuterie array with meats, nuts, fruit, and spreads to keep everyone happy until it's BBQ time.
Grab a napkin because this steak charcuterie board is mouth-watering! This BBQ-based platter is easily customizable, packed with steak and your fave veggies.
A little more on the fancy side, this grilled skewer board still equals charcuterie fun. Toss some kabobs on the barbie then prep some savory sauces for the ultimate meal.
Step aside hamburger bar—there's a new charcuterie board in town. This enormous hamburger board boasts plenty of toppings and sides to make the most epic and fun dinner.
Movie night just got a whole lot better. This film-themed board brings your fave cinema treats to your fingertips, with options like popcorn, licorice and gummy bears, all you have to do is press "play."
Whether it’s for Memorial Day or the 4th of July, this fun red, white, and blue charcuterie board will give you plenty of ideas for a festive displays.
Show your grandparents how much they mean to you by treating them to one (or all) of these exciting events in Chicago
Is there anything more special than a grandparent? We’re giving that an emphatic no! And is there anything more exciting than experiencing the city with grandparents? With so many accessible, exciting things to do in Chicago, there are plenty of ways to celebrate a visit from such a beloved relative. Spend precious time with your loved ones and make special memories with these attractions, perfect for all generations.
It's hard to believe, but apple picking season has arrived. Get the grandparents in on the sweet fun by visiting one of Chicagoland's u-pick apple orchards. Be sure to leave time to have chats over an apple cider donut. We recommend a visit to County Line Orchard. Only 45 miles from the city, it's a far easier commute than many farms hours away. Plus, at County Line, you can experience apple picking, train rides, a corn maze, and a kid's farm. Everyone will have a blast!
Sculpture enthusiasts of every age will be dazzled as they search for eight larger-than-life, nature-inspired sculptures throughout the Arboretum's exhibit Human + Nature. Use this map from Morton Arboretum to help you on your hunt and to learn about their names. Be sure to stop by the Children's Garden where kids splash, dig, and play in a kid-safe environment.
4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL Online: mortonarb.org
It might sound completely touristy, but the 90-minute Architectural Boat Tour is by far one of the best activities for visitors to Chicago. All while cruising the Chicago River, attendees can learn the fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings and discover how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities, as told by an expertly trained volunteer docent. If you can hang, we recommend taking one of the tours that will be cruising when the sun sets—it makes the ride extra magical.
Grandparents deserve white glove service! So, make a reservation for Afternoon Tea at Palm Court in the Drake Hotel. Experience delicious tea, finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones. You and the kiddos will feel like royalty, especially if you book a Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea.
You just can't miss a chance to see a Broadway in Chicago show. You just can't. So, bring Grandma and Grandpa along for a musical theater experience they'll never forget. Anastasia runs Sep. 20-25 and Wicked runs Sep. 28-Dec. 4.
Got a south-side baseball lover in the mix? Catch the White Sox play the Tigers at the last Family Sunday Baseball Game of the season, on Sep. 25. The ballpark experience will feature special kid-focused activities and it's guaranteed that you'll have a great time!
Chicago’s offbeat and totally entertaining circus, Midnight Circus in the Parks, takes its act on the road, performing in parks in all corners of the city. It’s all for a good cause, too: The tour raises money to improve the city's many public parks and playgrounds.
Is there anything better than ice cream?! Take your grandparent to Homer's Gourmet Ice Cream for a delicious treat and special experience at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Apparently, Homer's was a favorite of Al Capone!
See the Flourish Exhibit at Chicago Botanic Garden
Experience the delightful sights of huge sculptures that show the connection between art and nature at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Flourish: The Garden. The exhibit features 10 amazing structures created by different artists from Chicago and around the world. The exhibit closes Sep. 25.
The Schaumburg Park District is full of great family-friendly events that would be perfect for the grandparents to join in on throughout the fall season. Enjoy a movie in the park on Sep. 16 or Octoberfest on Oct. 8. You'll find the events listed on page 6 of the Fall Program Guide.
505 N. Springinsguth Rd. Schaumburg, IL Online: parkfun.com
Cruise with Grandma's Pup
Mercury Canine Cruise Chicago
Dogs on boats? Yes! If Grandma has a pooch, bring it along on Mercury's Canine Cruise for quality time cruising on Chicago's waterways. Sit back, relax, and soak in the city as you enjoy a lively narration of Chicago’s rich history and architectural marvels with dog-friendly highlights.
You can vacation in some pretty sweet homes thanks to Airbnb, but it will be hard to top this booking. Now you can stay in the real life Home Alone house and let your inner child run wild! The overnight stay is up for grabs on Dec. 12 to celebrate the release of the latest movie in the popular franchise.
The McAllisters are headed on their holiday trip and that means four guests have the opportunity to enjoy the stay of a lifetime in Chicago. The home will be perfectly decorated for Christmas and feature plenty of booby trap opportunities. You’ll get to meet the pet tarantula and enjoy plenty of pizza and Kraft Mac n Cheese. At the end of the stay, you’ll get to take home the new LEGO Home Alone set for the perfect souvenir!
Now for the best part: all of this is only $25 if you’re lucky enough to book. Set your reminder for 2 p.m. ET on Dec. 7 and make sure you’re on http://airbnb.com/homealone. The guests who book are responsible for their own travel, but it’s a small price to pay for these bragging rights.
On the first day of December ALDI brought to me…tons of great finds! We have the inside scoop on what to expect at your local ALDI for the ultimate holiday month. Including a premade charcuterie board kit and gingerbread mulled wine!
Starting Dec. 1, you’ll be able to snag Three Mills Gingerbread Mulled Wine for only $5. You’ll also find some gems in the baking department: Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Holiday Tree or Star Pizza ($2.50), Baker’s Corner Jumbo Christmas Cookie Kit ($5) and Elf on the Shelf Baking Kits ($3.50). Don’t forget the Nestle Morsels in Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Funfetti Flavors!
Later on, look for Sundae Shoppe Snowflake Cones, a raspberry and cream flavored treat with chocolate coating and sugar sprinkles ($3.50 on Dec. 8). Grab some cute Gouda Trees the same weekend that are perfect for your holiday boards ($4). And speaking of charcuterie, don’t forget the Specially Selected Charcuterie Board Kit ($10) that’s available on Dec. 15 and makes your board prep a snap.
Finally, we’re super excited about the Sparkling Wine calendar that counts down to the New Year. You’ll have seven bottles to open and it’s available for $30 on Dec. 1. Don’t forget ALDI’s version of the Grouch Tree! At $8 each, you’ll want to buy a few when they release on Dec. 8. ‘Tis the season for shopping merriment at ALDI!
“Here we are, Marv. New York City. The land of opportunity!” ‘Tis the season for Christmas classics, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. And if you really want to make the season memorable, you can book a special package through The Plaza Hotel that lets the whole family recreate your favorite movie moments.
Your exclusive stay starts with checking into a luxurious guest room, followed by a private four hour limo ride around New York City. You’ll be treated to a hot cheese pizza and visit all the top sites as you relive Kevin McAllister’s tour. Along the way you’ll see the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and much more!
Once you’re back at the hotel, it’s time to enjoy a giant Home Alone sundae. It’s 16 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&Ms, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel and raspberry sauce. It’s definitely Kevin approved, just grab a few extra spoons!
You can purchase the “Escape to New York” offer year-round and the hotel website states that you can book up to three days prior to check-in. Blackout dates apply and rates vary depending on room type. If you’re going to the Big Apple, might as well do it big!
It’s National S’mores Day! And we’re happy to report, you can celebrate with the kids, even if you’re not around the campfire in the middle of the forest We’ve got what you need to track down deliciously creative versions of this ooey-gooey treat right here in the city. From s’mores donuts to a molten cake, here’s where to get your s’mores fix today.
When it comes to donuts as an art form, the folks at Zuri’s Donutz are master artists. Bite into their indulgent Trojan Smorez to taste your favorite campfire flavors (including a torched marshmallow) when your s’mores cravings hit. Wondering about its name? Well it’s totally gluten-free.
There’s nothing low cal about the many sweets you’ll find at this south end bake shop. And there’s no limit to the creativity either. For a twist on the typical try a S’mores Thickums, a totally loaded cookie that’s soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a S’mores Sammie—graham cracker buttercream sandwiched between two chocolate marshmallow cookies, rolled in graham cracker crust. Gotta love these kinds of touch choices.
You may only be able to get this specialty cupcake on Saturdays, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. Baked with only homemade ingredients, New York Cupcakes’ Campfire S’mores includes a graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache-filled chocolate cake and a rim of marshmallow buttercream filled with toasted marshmallow meringue. We'll take two!
If you like your s’mores served hot, you’re in luck! Hot Cakes’ S’mores molten cake is an individual chocolate cake topped with a roasted marshmallow. The ice cream and chocolate sauce are served on the side so your steaming hot cake doesn’t get soggy. Families can order this in gluten- and dairy-free options too, so everyone can enjoy.
Hours: Vary by location
Ballard 5427 Ballard Ave. N.W. Seattle, WA 206-453-3792
Capitol Hill 1650 E. Olive Way Seattle, WA 206-258-2591
For a lighter take on the s’mores experience pick up a pack of Lady Yum’s S’mores macarons. Unlike most of Lady Yum macarons, the s’mores flavor contains gluten, but don’t let that stop you from biting into this flavorful cookie that’s just the right size. Our favorite part? The marshmallow hidden inside.
The fact that they torch the homemade marshmallows after they put them on the top makes this ice cream sundae extra gooey. Celebrate National S’mores Day with Shug’s original S’more Sundae. It’s a hard-to-beat treat on a summer day. Our suggestion? Grab spoons to share!
Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 1-8 p.m.
Pike Place Market 1525 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 206-602-6420 Online:shugssodafountain.com
For a s’mores treat that’s as homegrown as Macklemore himself, look no further than the Mackles’more from Hello Robin. Set atop a Graham Cracker, this gooey cookie features chunks of pure Theo Chocolate goodness and melty marshmallows. Order just the cookie or turn it into a sandwich that hugs your favorite Molly Moon ice cream flavor.
Hours: Vary by location
University Village 2570 N.E. University Village St. Seattle, WA 206-397-3634
Capitol Hill 522 19th Ave. E. Seattle, WA 206-735-7970
Put this cupcake shop on your to-visit list when you visit the island of West Seattle. The s’more cupcake is everything it should be. With a toasted marshmallow frosting piled high on top of the chocolate-y cake, it’s the perfect balance of your favorite summer campfire flavors.
OREOs—and all their variations—are indisputably delicious. Now there’s one more way to enjoy the classic sandwich treat. You might want to add New Jersey to your upcoming trips list, because the first-ever OREO Café has opened!
Located at American Dream, the retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, the café is a dream come true for your sugar tooth. It features a treats bar, where visitors can pick from delicious items like a waffle sundae with baked-in OREO pieces or a cookies & cream OREO cheesecake. Or you can customize a treat by choosing a dessert base, then picking from a wide range of OREO-inspired toppings, adding up to more than 200 possible combinations!
Of course, there are plenty of OREO items to buy, including packages of cookies and limited-edition merch. That includes tote bags, branded apparel, home decor and more! We’re fans of the fuzzy slippers and the giant cookie pillows.
If you can’t make it to New Jersey but really need an OREO pillow in your life, you can buy online through oreo.com. But we’re definitely putting this new café on our bucket list!
Did you know you can do your weekly grocery shopping and give back at the same time? Thanks to the return of the ALDI and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) partnership, it’s easy!
Like last year, the duo is pairing up to offer limited-time ALDI Finds that will go on sale Wed., Jul. 14. The lemon-themed products will go towards ALDI’s corporate donation to ALSF, an organization that helps fund cancer research, education and support to families with children fighting cancer.
Some of the tasty offerings this year include Moser Roth Lemon Chocolate Truffles ($2.99), MoonPie Lemon Pies ($2.18), Bake Shop Mini Lemon Bites ($3.89), Nature’s Nectar Watermelon Lemonade ($1.29) and Sundae Shoppe Frozen Lemonade Bars ($2.40).
With each purchase, shoppers will help ALSF’s mission of changing the lives of children with cancer. So far, the organization, which was founded by 8-year-old Alex while she was battling cancer, has raised more than $200 million to fight the disease.
Each product will be available for a limited time at your local ALDI store.