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Hello, fellow thrifty enthusiasts! Today, I'm excited to share one of my favorite money-saving party tricks with you: DIY Charcuterie Boards for under $20. Yes, you read that right. For those who may not be familiar, a charcuterie board is an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and bread or crackers. They're a delectable way to entertain guests, but can often be quite expensive if you're purchasing pre-made boards or buying high-end ingredients. However, I've found a way to create impressive boards without breaking the bank. Let's dive in!

First things first, the board itself. Instead of spending a fortune on a fancy wooden or marble charcuterie board, why not repurpose something you already have at home? A large cutting board, a flat baking tray, or even a piece of slate or tile can make a unique and attractive base for your charcuterie spread. If you don't have any of these items on hand, a quick trip to your local thrift store can usually yield a great find for a few dollars, keeping us well under our $20 budget.

Now, on to the delicious part: the food. When it comes to charcuterie, the key is variety, not volume. You don't need a huge amount of any one thing; instead, aim for a small selection of different meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. I suggest starting with two to three types of cheese. Many grocery stores have a "reduced for quick sale" section in their cheese department where you can pick up perfectly good cheeses for a fraction of their original price. Often, these are cheeses that are simply nearing their 'sell by' date, but are still perfectly safe and delicious to eat.

For the cured meats, consider purchasing a mixed pack. These often contain a variety of hams, salamis, and other cured meats, and are cheaper than buying individual types. To round out your board, add some fruit and crackers. In-season fruits are generally the most affordable and the tastiest. Crackers can be found on sale quite often, so keep an eye out for deals. Remember, you're building a board that's about quality and variety, not quantity.

Finally, presentation is everything. Arrange your meats and cheeses in different areas of your board, and fill in the gaps with your fruits and crackers. Want to make it look extra fancy? Fold or roll your meats, fan out your cheese slices, and sprinkle some nuts or dried fruit for extra color and texture. Trust me, no one will guess that your beautiful board cost less than $20 to create.

So there you have it, my friends. With a little creativity and savvy shopping, you can create an impressive DIY charcuterie board for under $20. Not only does this save you money, but it also allows you to customize the board to your own tastes and dietary needs. So go ahead, stun your guests at your next gathering without stunning your wallet!

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