Have You Tried the Checkerboard Cheeseboard Trend?

I’ve been noticing this for a bit, and thought it was time to try the checkerboard cheeseboard trend. I typically like a more rustic approach to serving food, but there’s something so appealing about the look and the simplicity of a checkerboard cheeseboard that cannot be ignored. I thought this would be fun to share on a Sunday, since I often imagine having Cindy and Mary Ann over when entertaining!

The best part of this trend is that you can make it your own. It’s often created with feta cheese, but any hard cheese would work. I chose an aged Comté cheese, as I prefer a more traditional French version.

I also made a fruit checkerboard with two kinds of melon. I sprinkled it with crispy prosciutto and tiny basil leaves. I added some thinly sliced shallots and a drizzle of good olive oil. It’s similar to this salad, but using the checkerboard method.

How to serve a checkerboard cheeseboard

I used a square Aplico plate for one, and a small rectangular platter with crackers on one end for the other. This Aplico collection also has small appetizer plates that would work beautifully. I used the small plates I had on hand, and small linen napkins. (A gift from Cindy)!

It’s easy, can be prepared ahead (at least a few hours), and it looks like you put quite a bit of thought into your preparation. So what do you think? Would you make a checkerboard cheeseboard?

A few items you’ll need to pick up at the grocery store

• A hard cheese like Comté or cheddar
• Berries like blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries
• Melon (cantaloupe and honeydew)
• Fresh basil and thyme
• Prosciutto
• Shallots
• Salted French butter
• Baguette and crackers

Of course, there are many variations. You could use feta cheese, Japanese cucumbers, watermelon, and olives, to name a few. I love the contrast in colors and texture.

More Sunday favorites

Have you jumped on the weighted vest trend?

Whenever a fitness trend emerges, I like to give it time and see what the experts have to say. I’ve been noticing women in my neighborhood lately wearing weighted vests, and it seems to be gaining popularity quickly. Social media has a way of rapidly escalating trends.

This article by Robin Long of Lindywell Pilates provides everything you need to know about the weighted vest trend. For me, I’m skipping it for now.

I love the Lindywell app, which allows me to work out at home, at the gym, or even in a hotel room. There are 10-minute workouts as well as plenty of full-length mat and standing workouts. Even on a busy travel day, I’ll find time to open the app and find a quick workout that gets my body moving, if only a little. You can use this link to sign up and save $20.

Travel Tote from Quince

I have a new travel tote from Quince. My last one was worn out after years of use, but it had a feature that I wanted to ensure my new bag had. A luggage-handle sleeve on the back that fits easily over your suitcase handle when extended, the Quince bag features a bottom zipper and a snap closure, allowing it to be used as a slip pocket when not in use for transporting your tote on your luggage handle.

The Transit Quilted Tote Bag features a zipper closure, an inside zippered pocket, and several other design elements that make it a dream to use. Everything is easily accessible, yet safely closed when traveling.

100% cotton gauze clothing makes the perfect travel fit

These days, even traveling domestically can turn into a long travel day, so wearing a comfortable travel outfit that looks good for a long day/night is essential.

I like these 100% cotton gauze straight-leg pants and long-sleeve shirt (worn like a jacket over a striped tee from Kule). They are super comfortable and look good all day. I had never worn gauze clothing. I chose Quince because you can’t go wrong! Well made and at very reasonable prices. A set like the Greece Travel Set from Frank & Eileen would be almost $400, compared to Quince for around $85.

Summer’s “it” shoe + Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

These perforated or woven Mary Jane flats have been a popular trend for some time. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has a version that’s perfect for year-round use. Bernardo Borden Perf Mary Jane is on sale for $148 during the sale, then the price goes up to $248.

L’Avant Laundry Detergent in the refill size at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is a great time to stock up.

Extra 40% off sale at Anthropologie

A few items that caught my eye were these By the Sea Embroidered Napkins, which were initially $58 for a set of four but are now on sale for $23.97.

And these Bibi Lou Cutout Slide Sandals were $185, now $77.97.

Let’s check in with Cindy & Mary Ann–

Cindy Hattersley Design

Read Cindy’s Sunday post here.

Classic Casual Home

Read Mary Ann’s Sunday post here.