Think Outside The Charcuterie Board With These Fresh Ideas

seafood platter charcuterie board ideas

Charcuterie boards can be easy enough to throw together for last-minute guests and elaborate enough to create for a fancy feast. If you want to mix it up beyond the typical salami and cheese pairings, there's a fun new book from (our fave) America's Test Kitchen called Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatheringsby Elle Simone Scott. The book is chock-full of inspiration for party boards, from breakfast taco boards and game day spreads to cocktails and dessert boards. Scott gives us the freedom to get creative and tailor our boards to our favorite people and the reason for gathering. (BTW, check out our Butter Board inspo too!)

Vegetarian friends coming over? Try this Spring Crudite board with colorful veggies and dips (hold or don't hold the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus).

Hosting a World Series party or Super Bowl Sunday? Try the Ballpark Board, with hotdogs, homemade pretzels (there's an Oktoberfest Board too), and all the fixings. CrackerJacks are a playful touch.

Also great for game day: Serve a board of wings for your sporty guests with an array of sauces. Scott provides tips below!

Wing Sauces

Each sauce makes about 3/4 cup. But half the fun of the board is trying out different flavors, so go ahead and make more than one—you’ll find plenty of ways to use up the extra sauce.

All sauces, except for buffalo, can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Buffalo Wing Sauce

Classic buffalo sauce is made with Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce.

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon molasses

Whisk all ingredients together in bowl.

Smoky Barbecue Wing Sauce

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced canned ­chipotle chile in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke

Whisk all ingredients together in bowl.

Mango Chutney Wing Sauce

  • 3/4 cup mango chutney
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon grated lime zest

Whisk all ingredients together in bowl.

For your next boozy bunch, get creative with this ultimate Bloody Mary Board served with shrimp, celery, olives, Tabasco sauce, even Black Pepper Candied Bacon (recipe in book). Don't forget the cocktail skewers!

Alongside your Bloody Mary Board could be a Breakfast Taco Board, complete with jalapeños, avocado, and fresh salsa.

We love this sweet and savory Dessert Cheese Board for the holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Years. So pretty! Check out Scott's recipe below for a variety of homemade candied nuts to make it extra special.

Skillet Candied Nuts

Makes about 1 cup

I keep these in my pantry at all times. Besides adding rich ­flavor and crunchy texture to the dessert cheese board, ­candied nuts make a special topping for ice cream (or ­oatmeal)—or a great little snack all on their own.

You can use any variety of nuts, but I’m partial to cashews, pistachios, and almonds. And the recipe is easily customizable with herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles. As the sugar ­caramelizes toward the end of cooking, it may start to get a little smoky; that’s OK.

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped raw, unsalted nuts
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt

1. Toast nuts in 10‑inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until fragrant and spotty brown, about 3 minutes. Quickly add water, sugar, and salt and stir with rubber spatula to evenly coat nuts.

2. Cook, stirring often, until sugar mixture caramelizes and nuts begin to clump together, 2 to 3 minutes. Quickly ­transfer nuts to large plate and spread into even layer. Let cool for 10 minutes. Break nut clusters into small pieces with your hands.

(Nuts can be stored in airtight container for up to 1 week.)

Variations:
Skillet Candied Nuts with Fresh Herbs

Just before transferring candied nuts to plate, stir in 1 ­teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme.

Spiced Skillet Candied Nuts

Combine 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, and pinch ground cinnamon in bowl. Just before ­transferring candied nuts to plate, stir in spice mixture.

Try a board on ice with this Raw Bar Board, perfect for brunch, New Years Day, or any special occasion.

There you have it, some outside-the-charcuterie-board inspiration for your next gathering. Be sure to check out Scott's Boards book for more scrumptious and creative ideas, like a Bruschetta Board, Steak Frites Board, and more!

Follow us on Pinterest for more charcuterie board ideas and recipe inspiration!

Trader Joe’s always knows exactly how to get us excited for new products – and this time, the grocer is bringing back their viral Mini Canvas Tote Bags in four brand-new colors that are all perfect for spring! Hitting stores on April 8, you’re not going to want to miss this TJ’s drop.

Here’s everything you need to know about the return of Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags for spring 2025.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed first circulated the rumor that the Mini Canvas Tote Bags are set to return to Trader Joe’s this spring.

“Rumor has it that the pastel mini canvas bags will be here in April. Usually, they do release these on a Wednesday. How excited are you for these colors? I can’t wait to customize them!” the caption reads.

Another source, @zuncola, hinted that the totes could hit stores as early as April 8 or 9.

@traderjoesobsessed

There are four different colorways in this season’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag drop: pink, blue, green, and purple. But they’re not your ordinary pinks, blues, greens, and purples – they come in pastel hues that all look stunning.

From carrying your quick grocery hauls to toting each and every picnic essential you’ll need this spring, these bags get it all done in sheer style.

Trader Joe’s

In the past, the Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags have been a limited-time item that garnered plenty of attention from shoppers, even sparking a massivefrenzy inside stores with customers racing to snag their own tote. Some TJ’s locations have also placed a buying limit for bags like these, typically 1 per customer. Based on the reception of the rumors for this year, you’ll likely want to plan when and how you’re going to get your hands on one.

Instagram

Tons of Trader Joe’s fanatics sounded off in the comments of @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the rumors of the Mini Canvas Tote Bags’ return:

“Stoppppp no way!! 😱😱” one person wrote.

‘Yes! These will make great bags for Easter gifts,” another said.

“Looks like I need to buy camping gear cause I'll be in that line before sunrise 🤩,” one more fan commented.

Reddit

This year, the Mini Canvas Tote Bags sell for $2.99 each, per Trader Joe's.

Reddit

The Mini Canvas Tote Bags are restocked on Trader Joe's shelves near you starting April 8. Run, don't walk!

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This post has been updated.

As soon as the new Hunger Games book and movie, both titled Sunrise on the Reaping, were announced, I started dreaming about the movie cast. After all, the story, which takes place during the 50th Hunger Games and follows Katniss' mentor Haymitch, features double the amount of tributes — that means we're in for some amazing casting announcements! And the casting rumors so far are literally perfect.

Here's everything you need to know about the Sunrise on the Reaping cast rumors before the movie premieres in November 2026.

Who's in the Sunrise on the Reaping cast?

Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix

We don't have an official casting announcement yet, but the internet is losing it over these totally perfect cast rumors:

  • Charlie Plummer as Haymitch Abernathy: a 16-year-old tribute in the 50th Hunger Games from District 12.
  • Ralph Fiennes as President Snow: President of Panem after serving as a District 12 mentor during the 10th Hunger Games.
  • Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee: a capitol cameraman working with District 12.
  • Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman: the man who hosts the interviews with the tributes.
The other Sunrise on the Reaping characters include Maysilee Donner, Wyatt Callow, Louella McCoy and Lou Lou, Lenore Dove, Wiress, Mags, Effie Trinket, Beetee, and Ampert. I would love to see Elle Fanning as Maysilee and Aimee Lou Wood as Effie!

What is Sunrise On The Reaping about?

The new Hunger Games movie is about 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who gets thrown in the 50th Hunger Games and has to survive both a poison arena and double the regular amount of tributes. Not to mention President Snow.

Will there be a movie for Sunrise on the Reaping?

Scholastic

Yes! Lionsgate announced the movie adaptation for Sunrise on the Reaping on June 6, 2024, the same day the book was announced.

When can I watch Sunrise on the Reaping?

Lionsgate

Hugner Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters November 20, 2026.

What Hunger Games was Haymitch in?

Murray Close/Lionsgate

Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, when he was 16 years old. Because it was a Quarter Quell, the Capitol added a twist to the Games: there were 48 tributes instead of 24.

When was Sunrise On The Reaping published?

Suzanne Collins' Sunrise On The Reaping was released on March 17, 2025.

Where was the Hunger Games reaping filmed?

Murray Close/Lionsgate

The Hunger Games was filmed around Asheville, North Carolina. The Reaping itself was filmed in Shelby, near Hildebran, North Carolina.

Stay tuned for more news about the new Hunger Games movie. Read up on everything you need to know about the book, too!

This post has been updated.

Some of us know that feeling of a post-lunch stomachache all too well, but many of us are still in the dark about how what we’re eating impacts our digestive systems! Some of the most common foods in your daily routine could be the reason behind your bloating, cramps, or general tummy discomfort. These 6 foods might be messing with your gut – here’s how they can trigger pains, aches, indigestion, and more.

P.S. If you're experiencing frequent stomach pain, it might be helpful to keep a food diary and note when any symptoms occur to help you identify specific triggers. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is a good idea.

Scroll on for 6 foods that commonly cause stomach discomfort.

Mark Stebnicki / PEXELS

1. Hot peppers

Hot peppers like jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, and more contain capsaicin, which lends them their spicy heat. Though capsaicin can totally enhance the flavors of certain dishes, it can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing pains, cramps, upset bowel movements, acid reflux, or heartburn.

Shantanu Pal / PEXELS

2. Curry spices

Many common curry spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder tend to stimulate stomach acid production. While they can aid digestion when eaten in small amounts, they can be harmful if you're simply sensitive to them or eat ‘em in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, you could experience indigestion, bloating, or a burning sensation from certain spices.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

3. Milk

Ah, yes – the ol’ lactose intolerance! Milk obviously contains lactose, which is commonly hard to digest. If you’re lactose intolerant or have a sensitive stomach, consuming milk can lead to gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea as undigested lactose ferments in the gut.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

4. Cheese

Just like milk, cheese contains lactose – though typically in smaller amounts. Nonetheless, it can trigger plenty of tummy problems. Aged cheese in particular can also be high in fat, slowing digestion.

Eyad Tariq / PEXELS

5. Coffee

Coffee is not only naturally acidic on its own, but it also encourages the stomach to produce more acid. This can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis (AKA inflammation of the stomach lining). On the contrary, it can also speed up digestion, leading to cramping or less-than-ideal bowel movements.

Pixabay / PEXELS

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another naturally acidic food and can trigger acid reflux or heartburn easily. These symptoms are especially prevalent in people with sensitive stomachs or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The acidity can also irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation or indigestion after eating.

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Our spring fashion era is in full swing at the moment, so that obviously means we’re on the hunt for all the cutest spring dresses. Abercrombie & Fitch simply killsit when it comes to dresses, and we can’t get enough of their latest styles! Their current collection of spring dresses strikes the perfect balance between effortless and elevated, so you can work with endless outfit combos this spring – from formal to casual.

There's an Abercrombie & Fitch spring dress just begging to be added to your spring outfit rotation – shop our 9 faves below!

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Mara Strapless Denim Mini Dress

Made with denim that has a bit of stretch, this button-up strapless dress totally makes a statement – all while keeping you comfortable.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Dipped-Waist Smocked Midi Dress

Polka dots are the "it" pattern this spring. Rock it in the form of this adorably flattering drop-waist dress, and your look will instantly stun!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Straight Neck Slip Skort

This marvelous mini comes complete with built-in shorts for added security wherever you wear it.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Julia Strapless Slip Maxi Dress

The smooth blue hues on this slip dress make it perfect for a beachy vacation, recalling the ocean waves to a tee. The strapless design of this cutie can be worn interchangeably with detachable straps, too, if you wish for added support up top.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

We're huge fans of gingham dresses over here, especially for springtime. This maxi flaunts all the coolest details, from the playful puff sleeves and tiered skirt to the femme square neckline and body-hugging ruched bodice. It'll look iconic with sandals and boots alike!

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Julia Slip Lace Maxi Dress

This lacy maxi would work wonderfully for more formal events, thanks to its luxe, satiny finish! The simple slip silhouette is always timeless, and ideal for accessorizing with spring heels and your go-to jewelry stack.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Knit Tube Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

Drop waists help elongate your bod, adding to a most flattering fit. Thanks to the strapless nature of this dress, it'll also make you feel like an absolute princess, no matter how you style it for spring! The cotton-modal fabric it's cut from is impressively soft and breathable to keep you feelin' cool all day.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Babydoll Bubble Hem Mini Dress

Yes, yes, and yes to butter yellow dresses! This mini also boasts a unique (and super trendy) bubble hem that adds such a whimsical vibe to your spring get-ups. We'd definitely pair this one with some platform sandals to make every step comfy as can be.

Abercrombie & Fitch

V-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress

This little black dress is the ultimate spring basic for wearing in all sorts of ways. The ruching on the back along with its natural body-skimming shape instantly complement your figure, so you can feel confident pairing it with everything from casual sneaks to elevated boots this spring!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved fashion picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love Reese's January and February picks!

Learn about Reese Witherspoon's 2025 Book Club picks!

April 2025

Amazon

All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett

Considered one of our most-anticipated new books in April, All That Life Can Afford grapples with one young woman's experience with a fast-paced life filled with classism. It begins with an introduction of Anna and her love for the "beautiful" London. Based on glossy images in Library books, she's convinced that's the place she needs to be. But she's sorely disappointed when she arrives to find a gloomy place that mirrors life in her hometown.

Before long, Anna's swept into the luxurious life of the Wilders as their daughter's tutors and begins experiencing the glitz she thought London would give her. From parties to two attractive pursuits, she's living a life that many dream of...until she begins to struggle under the crushing weight of portraying a "rich and famous" lifestyle" that doesn't match her background.

March 2025

Amazon

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Beth and Frank seem like they have it all on the surface of their marriage, but that's only because they've been avoiding a huge elephant in the room. Bliss seems like a wonderful place to stay, but Frank's brother commits a crime that stirs up the presence of Gabriel Wolfe. He's the man that used to make Beth's heart beat so long ago, but she swore him off after their romance ended in heartbreak. But now he's back with a son named Leo who feels familiar to Beth.

It doesn't take long for Beth and Gabriel to start interacting, but it comes with painful memories that threaten her marriage with Frank. There'll be a reckoning soon enough, forcing Beth to make peace with her past, present and future.

February 2025

Amazon

Isolaby Allegra Goodman

When readers are first introduced to Marguerite, she's an heiress who has a promising future ahead of her. With barely anything to worry about, she enjoys a sweet childhood until she becomes an orphan under the care of a reckless man. Not only does he seize the inheritance that was intended for her, he also behaves cruelly and leaves her stranded on an island.

Facing perilous weather and other unspeakable things, Marguerite learns how to survive with "faith the size of a mustard seed."

Reese Witherspoon says, "This is easily one of my favorite historical fiction reads yet," (via Instagram).

January 2025

Amazon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)

Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.
You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.

It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.

Reese Witherspoon says, "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists," (via Instagram).

Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.