Party Planner
Charcuterie board for 20 people
For 20 people, buy about 4¼ lb of cured meat and 4½ lb of cheese, 200–240 crackers, 4¼ lb of fruit and 3 spreads if the board is the party food. Before a meal, 2¾ lb of meat and 3 lb of cheese is enough; if it's dinner, 5½ lb of meat and 5½ lb of cheese.
What to buy for 20 people
Appetizer (a meal follows)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 2¾ lb | 3–4 kinds · about 13 packs of 3–4 oz |
| Cheese | 3 lb | 4–5 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 120–160 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 2¾ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 11 oz | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 1½ lb | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 3 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Party spread (no meal)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 4¼ lb | 3–4 kinds · buy sliced at the deli counter or in 1 lb packs |
| Cheese | 4½ lb | 4–5 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 200–240 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 4¼ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 1½ lb | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 2¼ lb | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 3 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Meal (the board is dinner)
| Buy | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured meat | 5½ lb | 3–4 kinds · buy sliced at the deli counter or in 1 lb packs |
| Cheese | 5½ lb | 4–5 kinds |
| Crackers and bread | 240–300 pieces | Two kinds: one plain, one with flavor |
| Fresh and dried fruit | 5½ lb | Grapes, apples or pears, plus one dried fruit |
| Nuts | 1½ lb | Marcona almonds, candied pecans or walnuts |
| Olives and pickles | 2¾ lb | Olives plus cornichons or pickled vegetables |
| Spreads and honey | 3 kinds | A jam, a honey, a mustard |
Amounts include a 10% buffer for a crowd. Based on 2 oz each of meat and cheese per guest before a meal, 3 oz as the party food and 4 oz as the meal. How we worked it out.
Get this list as a printable PDF with checkboxes, all three party sizes and the timeline.
How much it costs
| Level | Appetizer | Party spread | Meal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $60–$80 | $90–$120 | $120–$160 |
| Standard | $100–$140 | $150–$210 | $200–$280 |
| Splurge | $260–$400 | $390–$600 | $520–$800 |
Estimates for the food only, scaled from the costs of the boards in our book. Store, region and season all change the total.
Board size and setup
Two boards, or two stations on one table. Split the food into 2 identical stations so guests don't queue at one end. Each station gets every cheese, meat and cracker, and its own knives. See board sizes.
Timeline
- 1 week beforeOrder large pieces from the deli or warehouse store, and borrow extra boards or platters.
- 2 days beforeBuy the cheese, meat and fruit. Buy crackers and nuts too.
- The night beforeCut the firm cheeses and portion everything into containers, one set per station and one set for the refill. Cover and chill.
- 1 hour beforeTake the aged and firm cheeses out so they can warm up. Leave soft cheese like brie in the fridge for now.
- 30–45 minutes beforeTake out soft cheese like brie (it needs only 20–30 minutes), then build the stations: cheese first, then meat, then bowls, crackers and fruit.
- While it's outSwap in the fresh, fridge-cold refill before any tray has been out 2 hours.
Perishable food shouldn't sit out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). USDA guidance.
Or see the free preview of Office Party Charcuterie Board.
Other guest counts
Hosting 15 instead? See the plan for 15. Hosting 25 instead? See the plan for 25.
Questions about a board for 20
How much meat and cheese do I need for 20 people?
As an appetizer before a meal, about 2¾ lb of meat and 3 lb of cheese. If the board is the party food with no meal, about 4¼ lb of meat and 4½ lb of cheese. If it's dinner, plan 5½ lb of meat and 5½ lb of cheese. These include a 10% buffer, because crowds eat the favorites first.
How many crackers for 20 people?
120 to 160 crackers or slices of bread as an appetizer, 200 to 240 as the party food. Put out half and refill.
How big a board do I need for 20 people?
Two boards, or two stations on one table. Guests eat more comfortably from two smaller boards than from one crowded one.
How much does a charcuterie board for 20 people cost?
As an appetizer, roughly $60–$80 on a budget, $100–$140 for a standard board, and $260–$400 with splurge cheeses and meats. Prices vary by store and region.
How far ahead can I make a charcuterie board for 20 people?
Cut firm cheeses the night before and build the board 30–45 minutes before guests arrive. Perishable food shouldn't sit out more than 2 hours, so build a fresh refill tray instead of putting everything out at once.
Is there a complete plan for 20 people?
Yes: The Office Party Board (board #30 in 50 Boards Built by Science) serves 15–25, with the exact shopping list, a timed build and a swap for every ingredient.
