Boards Stylish spreads for casual gatherings

A mood board for one's food board is served up in this excellent guide from Scott, executive editor at America's Test Kitchen. Her aim to is to offer an "interactive and low-key yet elegant way of presenting food," and she succeeds in spades. In writing that is amiable and concise, Scott walks readers through the basics, advising them on how to choose a board type (charcuterie, crudités, DIY), use household items such as muffin tins and cake stands for displays, and "take things from simple to special" by adding flourishes such as smearing condiments with the back of a spoon. Most helpful is an informal set of board "rules" that emphasize the importance of having a unifying theme and a focal point, and balancing store-bought items with easy homemade dips. While cheese and meats are covered, it's the unexpected options--among them, a stellar breakfast taco spread, a martini board for the ages, and a hearty Oktoberfest platter--that steal the spotlight. Sweets are also given their due with fun themes such as chocolate fondue and cookie decorating, and a dessert cheese board accented with grilled peaches. Maximalists, meanwhile, will devour Scott's "level up" tips, like elevating one's bruschetta with port-caramelized onions and washing down the nacho board with micheladas. This has instant classic written all over it. (Mar.)