Using your board
Every piece I make is meant to be used, whether that’s for serving, chopping, display, or all three in the same week. Here’s how to get the most out of yours, and how to keep it looking good for years.
Which board for what
Resin boards are functional art. Whether they're one of my signature collection, in a colour to suit your scheme, or one of my unique boards with embedded botanicals, Serve on them, display them, or hang them on the wall between parties. Each one is designed to look as good propped on a shelf or as a table runner for candles as it does under a pile of cheese. The only rule is heat: resin doesn’t like it, so never put a hot pan, dish or teapot straight onto one.
Chopping boards are built to be used. Chop, carve, slice and bash garlic on them. Knife marks are part of the deal and give the board character over time. Get a statement piece and leave it out on your worktop 24/7.
Serving boards in plain wood are for presenting food rather than preparing it: cheese, charcuterie, bread, cake, a row of tapas. A quick slice of cheese at the table is fine. A full prep session isn’t.
Looking after your board
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Hand wash in warm soapy water and dry it straight away with a tea towel.
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Never put it in the dishwasher, and never leave it soaking in the sink. Water is what makes wood split and warp.
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Let it dry standing on its edge, so air can reach both sides.
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For smells, rub with half a lemon and a little salt, then rinse.
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Every piece leaves my workshop finished in Odie’s Oil, a food-safe, solvent-free hardwax oil. When the wood starts to look pale or dry, rub in a thin layer, leave it for an hour or so [check], then buff off the excess with a soft cloth. Chopping boards will want this more often than serving boards
I sell Odie’s Oil in 30ml sample pots, and you can buy full-sized jars from odiesoil.co.uk.
Ideas for every setting
Grazing boards
Perfect for parties, picnics, and casual get-togethers. Combine cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts and dips for a beautiful, shareable spread. (download my guide to building an indulgent grazing board here)
Cheeseboards
Serve up a selection of soft, semi-hard, hard and blue cheeses with crackers, fruits and chutney. These make elegant additions to dinner parties or as gifts. (download my guide to building a WOW cheeseboard here)
Centrepiece displays
Use your board as a stylish base for floral arrangements, candles, or seasonal decor. It’s an easy way to add a touch of artistry to any table.
Wall art
Display one of my boards as a unique piece of wall art. Mount it on some brackets, so you can remove it to use it, or use a simple plate display stand and stand it on a window sill or shelves. It adds colour and character to any room, especially a white worktop or minimalist kitchen.
