Experts Reveal Their Beauty Trend Predictions for 2024—And We’re Fully On Board

Trends are a reflection of our time, but they can also signal a fresh start—especially when it comes to the beauty industry. In honor of a welcome New Year ahead, we tapped a stable of beauty world heavy-hitters to help us sift through fleeting fads and pinpoint their best bets for 2024 beauty trend predictions.

While compiling the following beauty trends, we noticed that most fell into the skincare realm (a reaction to a consumer shift toward serums and moisturizers over makeup), and often speak to the sophistication of today’s buyer. The market may feel saturated, but skincare lovers are more educated than ever. They’re seeking out what actually works for them and are understanding the science as to why.

It’s an exciting, innovative time in the beauty world. The following 2024 beauty trend predictions feel like a hopeful response to that fact.

Featured image from our interview with Mary Ralph.

Quiet Luxury, The Beauty Edition

“The rise of ‘quiet luxury’ we saw come to the forefront of consumer consciousness in early fall ’23 is here to stay. A term initially coined for fashion—timeless, understated pieces that look expensive due to their high-quality materials—will influence the beauty industry as consumers seek effective, high-quality products that are both sophisticated and simple. (This doesn’t mean a steep price tag!)” — Monique Meneses, a 15-year former beauty brand consultant and founder of IOTA

Image by Teal Thomsen

Functional Fragrances

“In 2024 I’m pretty sure we’ll continue to see the rise of the functional fragrance movement as the next big perfume trend—where fragrance isn’t just about smelling good but is scientifically designed to be a powerful catalyst for mental well-being. I think we’ll see more scents that help with stress reduction and mood enhancement, ushering in a new era where fragrance not only awakens the senses but also contributes to a balanced mind and body.” — Rosie Johnston, Founder/CEO of By/Rosie Jane. 

Woman applying lip gloss in mirror.

Regenerative Aesthetics

“People are looking for a much more “natural” look now, particularly the younger generation. They are less interested in that “high cheek contour” and “extra full” lips—prejuvenation is much more popular. The trend is moving to less filters and less makeup, with more focus on skincare and anti-aging.” — SkinSpirit Physician’s Assistant Kristin Polega

Polega does recommend dermal fillers for that rejuvenated look, but not just any kind.

“I love Sculptra Aesthetic because we remove the “shock factor” that some people feel with filler. It provides a gradual build-up over time, so the results are subtle yet impressive when comparing photos.”

Woman styling blonde hair.

Scalp Care is Here to Stay

“Throughout 2023 we saw a comparison drawn between scalp care and skincare. As many companies move into the space and capitalize on the trend, our job as stylists is to further learn and educate clients about what we think are the most effective solutions available.” — Jay Small, Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Founder of Arey

Regardless of hair texture, density, or style preference, Small recommends two things when treating the scalp at home.

  • Ditch the added fragrance in scalp serums. “Scent is more for the experience and less about the health of your scalp,” Small explains. “I would also look for a water-based formula that is free of oil—preferably one that is backed by research and science.”
  • Look for gentle products. “Scalp scrub doesn’t have to literally scrub your scalp!” Small adds. “The most common causes of buildup on the scalp are oil and dead skin cells. Using a product that is less abrasive and contains ingredients that target that build up is key.”
Nude nails 2024 beauty trend predictions.

The Skincare-ification of Nails

“2023 was a big, bling-filled nail year where studded talons and metallics prevailed, but I predict that 2024 nail trends will be dialed down with more of an emphasis on flaunting the underlying healthy nail, à la the no-makeup-makeup looks that have prevailed.” — Dr. Dana Stern, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Dr. Dana 

For reference, Dr. Stern nods to fashion: “Helmut Lang’s spring/summer show models wore sans-serif typeface nails, which have a minimalist tattoo-like vibe. Jin Soon created a similarly chic, understated yet edgy look for Jason Wu’s show where black dots and lines were used over a clear base, again flaunting the underlying healthy, well-cared-for nail. Also, Holly Falcone created a clean, but playful and somewhat fanciful look for Sandy Liang’s 2024 runway show where nails were painted with an almost translucent pearly base and accented with satin bows and delicate gems, again flaunting the underlying clean, healthy nail.”

Sami Bernstein Spalter

The Rise of the Trichologist

“A trichologist is a professional that studies the hair and scalp. Often we don’t know who to turn to for matters of scalp health—is it our dermatologist or our hairstylist? A trichologist bridges the gap between both, helping to diagnose and advise on everything from dandruff, hair loss, damaged hair strands, and overexposure to chemicals or styling. More and more I am speaking with hairstylists that are getting certified in trichology.” Jay Small, Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Founder of Arey

Beauty products.

Less Sameness on the Shelves

“Given the oversaturation in the market and overflowing shelves, as well as economic pressures across the board, I believe customers will invest in brands that are truly innovating with a clear point of difference that goes beyond trendy marketing. The last few years have seen a lot of ‘sameness’ on the shelves and I think we’ll start to see that fizzle in the spirit of focus and customer-led innovation.” — Stephanie DiPisa, CEO + Founder of Solara Suncare

Wellness 2.0

“The mind-skin-gut connection will inspire more brands to highlight how comprehensive well-being and physical appearance are interconnected as the lines between wellness and beauty become even more blurred.” — Monique Meneses, a 15-year former beauty brand consultant and founder of IOTA

Skincare products.

Science-Backed Ingredients

“I think consumers will be moving past some of the latest social media-driven ingredients or marketing trends in a return to craving more science-backed, high-performing ingredients. Brands that take that seriously and remain transparent and focused in their expertise will continue to thrive.” — Stephanie DiPisa, CEO + Founder of Solara Suncare

Experts Predict The Beauty Trends that are Here to Stay in 2024—And We’re Fully On Board

Trends are a reflection of our time, but they can also signal a fresh start—especially when it comes to the beauty industry. In honor of a welcome New Year ahead, we tapped a stable of beauty world heavy-hitters to help us sift through fleeting fads and pinpoint their best bets for 2024 beauty trend predictions.

While compiling the following beauty trends, we noticed that most fell into the skincare realm (a reaction to a consumer shift toward serums and moisturizers over makeup), and often speak to the sophistication of today’s buyer. The market may feel saturated, but skincare lovers are more educated than ever. They’re seeking out what actually works for them and are understanding the science as to why.

It’s an exciting, innovative time in the beauty world. The following 2024 beauty trend predictions feel like a hopeful response to that fact.

Featured image from our interview with Mary Ralph.

Quiet Luxury, The Beauty Edition

“The rise of ‘quiet luxury’ we saw come to the forefront of consumer consciousness in early fall ’23 is here to stay. A term initially coined for fashion—timeless, understated pieces that look expensive due to their high-quality materials—will influence the beauty industry as consumers seek effective, high-quality products that are both sophisticated and simple. (This doesn’t mean a steep price tag!)” — Monique Meneses, a 15-year former beauty brand consultant and founder of IOTA

Image by Teal Thomsen

Functional Fragrances

“In 2024 I’m pretty sure we’ll continue to see the rise of the functional fragrance movement as the next big perfume trend—where fragrance isn’t just about smelling good but is scientifically designed to be a powerful catalyst for mental well-being. I think we’ll see more scents that help with stress reduction and mood enhancement, ushering in a new era where fragrance not only awakens the senses but also contributes to a balanced mind and body.” — Rosie Johnston, Founder/CEO of By/Rosie Jane. 

Woman applying lip gloss in mirror.

Regenerative Aesthetics

“People are looking for a much more “natural” look now, particularly the younger generation. They are less interested in that “high cheek contour” and “extra full” lips—prejuvenation is much more popular. The trend is moving to less filters and less makeup, with more focus on skincare and anti-aging.” — SkinSpirit Physician’s Assistant Kristin Polega

Polega does recommend dermal fillers for that rejuvenated look, but not just any kind.

“I love Sculptra Aesthetic because we remove the “shock factor” that some people feel with filler. It provides a gradual build-up over time, so the results are subtle yet impressive when comparing photos.”

Woman styling blonde hair.

Scalp Care is Here to Stay

“Throughout 2023 we saw a comparison drawn between scalp care and skincare. As many companies move into the space and capitalize on the trend, our job as stylists is to further learn and educate clients about what we think are the most effective solutions available.” — Jay Small, Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Founder of Arey

Regardless of hair texture, density, or style preference, Small recommends two things when treating the scalp at home.

  • Ditch the added fragrance in scalp serums. “Scent is more for the experience and less about the health of your scalp,” Small explains. “I would also look for a water-based formula that is free of oil—preferably one that is backed by research and science.”
  • Look for gentle products. “Scalp scrub doesn’t have to literally scrub your scalp!” Small adds. “The most common causes of buildup on the scalp are oil and dead skin cells. Using a product that is less abrasive and contains ingredients that target that build up is key.”
Nude nails 2024 beauty trend predictions.

The Skincare-ification of Nails

“2023 was a big, bling-filled nail year where studded talons and metallics prevailed, but I predict that 2024 nail trends will be dialed down with more of an emphasis on flaunting the underlying healthy nail, à la the no-makeup-makeup looks that have prevailed.” — Dr. Dana Stern, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Dr. Dana 

For reference, Dr. Stern nods to fashion: “Helmut Lang’s spring/summer show models wore sans-serif typeface nails, which have a minimalist tattoo-like vibe. Jin Soon created a similarly chic, understated yet edgy look for Jason Wu’s show where black dots and lines were used over a clear base, again flaunting the underlying healthy, well-cared-for nail. Also, Holly Falcone created a clean, but playful and somewhat fanciful look for Sandy Liang’s 2024 runway show where nails were painted with an almost translucent pearly base and accented with satin bows and delicate gems, again flaunting the underlying clean, healthy nail.”

Sami Bernstein Spalter

The Rise of the Trichologist

“A trichologist is a professional that studies the hair and scalp. Often we don’t know who to turn to for matters of scalp health—is it our dermatologist or our hairstylist? A trichologist bridges the gap between both, helping to diagnose and advise on everything from dandruff, hair loss, damaged hair strands, and overexposure to chemicals or styling. More and more I am speaking with hairstylists that are getting certified in trichology.” Jay Small, Celebrity Hairstylist and Co-Founder of Arey

Beauty products.

Less Sameness on the Shelves

“Given the oversaturation in the market and overflowing shelves, as well as economic pressures across the board, I believe customers will invest in brands that are truly innovating with a clear point of difference that goes beyond trendy marketing. The last few years have seen a lot of ‘sameness’ on the shelves and I think we’ll start to see that fizzle in the spirit of focus and customer-led innovation.” — Stephanie DiPisa, CEO + Founder of Solara Suncare

Wellness 2.0

“The mind-skin-gut connection will inspire more brands to highlight how comprehensive well-being and physical appearance are interconnected as the lines between wellness and beauty become even more blurred.” — Monique Meneses, a 15-year former beauty brand consultant and founder of IOTA

Skincare products.

Science-Backed Ingredients

“I think consumers will be moving past some of the latest social media-driven ingredients or marketing trends in a return to craving more science-backed, high-performing ingredients. Brands that take that seriously and remain transparent and focused in their expertise will continue to thrive.” — Stephanie DiPisa, CEO + Founder of Solara Suncare

A Cookie Charcuterie Board Is the Ultimate Holiday Treat

This cookie charcuterie board might just be my crowning glory. As a self-proclaimed cookie queen, there’s nothing I love more than assembling cookie boxes, organizing cookie exchanges, and baking all the new cookie recipes I can find—especially during the holidays. And when it comes to get-togethers, I would choose a plate of cookies over fancy desserts any day.

As we round out the holiday season, I’m here with one more take on a charcuterie board for y’all. We started the season out with the ultimate crudite platter, a bruschetta board with all my favorite toppings, and an appetizer board that everyone will be talking about. So, it only makes sense to round out our series with the penultimate cookie board.

Ahead, discover all my favorite ways to elevate this holiday dessert—and step-by-step instructions for making it your own.

The best part of a board like this is that the options are truly endless and you can customize based on what you and your guests like best. But like any cheese board formula, I like to think about having a few staples that will anchor the board and then go from there.

Chocolate cookies. Any good cookie board needs a chocolate varietal. Whether you go with a chocolate chip cookie, chocolate sandwich cookie, brownie cookie, or even a chocolate-peppermint version, you need chocolate somewhere on the board.

Fruit cookies. Having cookies with a bit of tangy fruit in them helps balance out all the other, super-sweet options. Think fruity jam and linzer sandwich cookies, citrus and lemon cookies, cookies made with dried fruits, or any other version you like.

Butter cookies. The unsung hero of the cookie world. Butter cookies are simple but rich, and they’re the perfect blank canvas of a cookie. Plus, with all the shapes and textures they come in, there’s something for everyone from the simple shortbread square to buttery spritz cookies.

The fun cookies. All cookies are fun but think of this category of cookies as a little extra. Especially for a cookie charcuterie board, these will help add visual interest and texture. Lean into cookies you may not always go for and try something new and different.

Cookie charcuterie board.
Cookie grazing board.

We certainly have our favorites, but a cookie board is the perfect chance to use a blend of store-bought, bakery-made, and homemade cookies. You don’t have to bake every recipe yourself! I polled our editors for some of their favorite cookies when building this board. These are our favorites:

  • Store-bought soft sugar cookies with frosting
  • Almond pizelles from the bakery
  • Shortbread stars
  • Strawberry linzer cookies
  • Hazelnut wafer cookies
  • Store-bought gingerbread tiles and biscuits
  • Peppermint bark
  • Regular and walnut brownies
  • Chocolate biscuits
  • Chocolate chip cookies

And a few recipes I love to include as well:

Holiday hot chocolate.
Holiday cookie board.

Assembly Tips and Tricks

There’s no right or wrong way to assemble a cookie charcuterie board. But I have learned a few tricks along the way to help make it look more elevated and festive.

  • Organize with cupcake liners. For smaller cookies or candies like peppermint bark, using muffin liners helps keep the cookies and treats organized while also adding a bit of texture.
  • Use plates and bowls to help group cookies. Not only does using a small plate on the board help add some extra height and dimension, but it also gives you a chance to help separate cookies so their flavors don’t mix.
  • Group cookies together in separate places. You don’t need fifty different cookie recipes to make your board feel lush and cozy. By creating groups of the same cookie in separate parts of the board, you can give the illusion of more abundance while keeping the board cohesive.
  • Add extras. Peppermint bark, candy canes, caramel candies, candied nuts, marshmallows, and little items like these can help fill in any gaps on the board while also giving guests who may not love sweets as much as everyone else a chance to nibble on something small.

And that’s it! A cookie charcuterie board is the ultimate aesthetic dessert—and it couldn’t be easier to create and customize. I hope you have fun piling yours high with all the treats. And be sure to share your masterpieces with us @camillestyles.

Hear Me Out: A Tinned Fish Board Is the Appetizer You Should Be Making Now

Have you ever gone to a friend’s house for dinner and their hosting style was so casually cool it made your jaw drop? These are my favorite people. Everything about them is warm and inviting, and the way they gather everyone around the kitchen island for good food and even better conversation makes you crave the next time you can get together. A few weeks ago, I attended a friend’s happy hour at home, and they pulled out this tinned fish board.

First off, I get it. If your reaction is one of doubt yet intrigue at the idea of arranging a charcuterie board with tins of fish, then let me say—at first, I was right there with you. And yet when my friend did exactly that a few weeks ago, she instantly became the coolest person on the planet. Who can so casually yet confidently arrange a few ingredients on a board with some tins of fish and have it feel both elevated and approachable? As the season ramps up and it feels like all I’m doing is penciling in catch-ups with friends and celebrations with pals, there’s nothing I love more than the idea of a simple get-together around a board of delicious ingredients. 

How to Build Your Tinned Fish Board

Think of the theme of this board as a casual French happy hour picnic. It involves simple ingredients, none of which need to be prepped ahead of time. Everything on your tinned fish board complements each other into something more satisfying and special than just cheese and crackers. Here’s what you’ll need.

Tinned fish. We have all the options you need below!

Cheeses. Like any other charcuterie board, having a nice selection of cheeses can help anchor the ingredients. I like one salty cheese like a wedge of parmesan that you can just cut chunks from, a creamy brie that pairs well with sharp pickled ingredients as well as being smooth enough to temper the flavors of any tinned fish, and one herbed or marinated cheese that is creamy and flavorful like a Boursin.

Vegetables. Crunchy veggies always round out any board for me. I like cornichons or castelvetrano olives for a pop of green goodness. And then vegetables like radishes or cucumbers pair perfectly with the cheese options and butter. Speaking of…

Really good butter. Get the special stuff. Butter on crackers and bread is always a crowd pleaser, and the flavor pairs perfectly with vegetables like radishes (sprinkle on salt, as the French do), and also goes well with the fish.

Nuts. I like pistachios or Marcona almonds with this board.

Bread and crackers. A nice crusty baguette and your favorite crisp crackers will give everyone something to snack on.

Use the above as your baseline, then build from there. Pickled onions would be nice with the fish, some friends love ritz crackers or saltines with their tinned fish, and fresh herbs like a bowl of dill would also be a tasty pairing.

Tinned fish board.
Tinned fish board.

Tinned Fish Options

If you’re feeling intimidated or don’t know where to start with choosing from the tinned fish options, I polled our team for a few of their favorites.

Caviar

Get the good stuff. It feels special, especially for the holidays! Of course, caviar leans on the more expensive side, but as with anything, it can be hard to know what to get based on price alone. We love Caviar Russe’s selection, trusted by casual hosts and restaurants alike. Each tin is sustainably farmed and packed to order, meaning you’re getting the freshest caviar possible. Expect a nutty, full flavor. And if you want to serve something bubbly alongside your tinned fish board, this caviar offers the best bite.

Anchovies

I know what you’re thinking: even for the well-trained tinned fish lovers among us, anchovies can be… a lot. And while they’re a necessity in the best caesar dressings, they might come as a surprise on your tinned fish board. Well I’m here to tell you they’re an appetizer essential—here’s why. These anchovies are rich and buttery. And while they do pack the same salty punch as other brands, Fishwife’s boast a mellower flavor that pair beautifully with bread and butter. Trust me, these will change you forever.

Sardines

Sardines are a personal fave of our Managing Editor, Isabelle Eyman. She explains to me that this tin in particular is the best of the best (though Trader Joe’s sardines offerings comes pretty close). Portugal-based José Gourmet is a trusted and favored tinned fish brand among fanatics for their sustainable practices and unbeatable flavors. The sardines are packed in olive oil, letting the fish shine in all their glory while still retaining a nice, fruity bite. They’re a bit more mild than other small fish, making these great for beginners.

Salmon or Tuna

Perhaps the most familiar tinned fish varietals, salmon and tuna make great low-key additions to your board. I’d recommend opting for one or the other. Though they each offer different flavor profiles, they’re similar enough that they would end up competing against one another on the board. Again, Fishwife is a great option when it comes to tuna, and no one does it better than Patagonia Provisions when you’re selecting a sustainably-sourced salmon. Be sure to load up on a few tins the next time you’re shopping for outdoor gear.

Assembly Tips and Tricks

Everything on this board can be opened and prepped right before serving, meaning you don’t really have to plan ahead if you have everything on hand. But you can still keep a few tips in mind to ensure maximum enjoyment.

Let the cheese come to room temperature. Especially for a creamy brie, letting the cheese sit before serving helps the flavor shine and it spreads on a baguette or cracker much easier.

Salt is your best friend. Especially with the fish on this board, a little bowl of flaky salt lets everything shine a bit brighter. Including some lemon wedges for the fish is also a way to help elevate their flavor.

Group ingredients together. If you have fish and topping combos you like, group those ingredients close together on the board to help streamline assembly.

A Bruschetta Board Is the Festive Appetizer You’ve Been Searching For

Nothing makes me happier than walking into a party and seeing a gorgeous grazing board. Whether it’s cheese-centric, inspired by the season, or supports a “desserts-first” mentality—it’s always exciting. Anything served up on a board feels warm and inviting, and always makes a great conversation starter. I love observing which ingredients guests end up obsessing over, whether it’s a delicious dip or a new favorite cheese. And the good news: there’s always an abundance of ingredients begging you to grab seconds.

Throughout the holiday season, I’ll be sharing some of my go-to entertaining boards (did you catch my dips and crudites board?). Each is designed around a different theme, letting you serve an entire evening’s worth of meals, all on a board. Next up: a rustic, but elegant bruschetta board that’s sure to wow every guest.

How to Build Your Bruschetta Board

It’s a well-known truth: we all love bread. As much as American food culture has tried to demonize it over the years, it will always have its comeback. And as far as boards go, what better way to set a strong foundation than with our favorite carb of all? The additional accouterments are just the delicious icing on the cake. A bruschetta board is an easy, elevated appetizer for the holidays.

I follow a formula to simplify this board and all the possible topping combinations that you could come up with.

  • Savory crostini. Toppings options are endless, but I like to make sure that I have at least one savory option that could act as both an appetizer and also a full happy hour meal if needed.
  • Slightly sweet crostini. While I draw the line at dessert crostini, having a sweeter crostini that celebrates the season’s best fruit adds some flavor variation to the board.
  • The fun pieces. Think of these things as fillers that add a bit of abundance to your board. They might not necessarily be a part of your crostini combinations, but sometimes guests want to get creative or just have stand-alone ingredients to snack on.

Following this formula for choosing your veggies ensures you have a strong variety of textures and flavors to elevate this board for the holiday season.

Bruschetta Combinations to Choose From

With these guidelines, I then choose from a few combinations to build my bruschetta board. Some of the ingredients can cross-pollinate and work for both a sweet and savory bruschetta, but use what you have on hand. Think about ingredients that are easy enough to serve in bowls or on the board, and that guests can easily assemble themselves.

Savory Bruschetta Options

For this board, I turned to creamy burrata, roasted tomatoes, and pesto. Especially in the winter when tomatoes are out of season, this is an easy way to boost their flavor. Other savory combinations I love:

  • Boursin or flavored goat cheese, roasted vegetables, and pesto
  • Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and dill
  • Brie and caramelized onions
  • Horseradish mustard and steak
  • Ricotta, fig, and prosciutto
  • Go gluten-free with sweet potato crostini

Sweet Bruschetta Options

When I think of special and sweet crostini, I go for palate-refreshers more so than leaning toward dessert. For this board, I went with brie cheese, fall pears, honeycomb, and pomegranate. Here are a few other sweet combinations to try:

  • Brie, apple, and caramelized pecans
  • Goat cheese, cranberry sauce or chutney, and pistachios
  • Ricotta, fig, and honeycomb
  • Blue cheese, pears, and honey
  • Brie, persimmons, and pomegranate
  • Whipped feta, figs, and thyme
  • Goat cheese, caramelized grapes, and balsamic

Bruschetta Board Add-Ons

To make this bruschetta board feel fuller, I like to utilize bite-sized snacks that might also work on the above sweet and savory crostini options.

  • Cornichons. These are great for a pickled bite to a savory crostini,
  • Nuts. Pecans, pistachios, or Marcona almonds can also be a stand-alone snack. They also add a crunchy bite to either sweet or savory crostini.
  • Crackers and bread. I like a combination of both. A fresh baguette is great, but I find they can run stale fast. Crunchy baguette slices can be bought ahead of time but have a lighter crunch to them than a cracker. Including crackers is great for someone who may just want a slice of cheese on a crisp cracker. I like both seedy crackers and a good classic plain cracker.

Assembly Tips and Tricks

A few simple tips to style an impressive bruschetta board that’s sure to satisfy any crowd.

  • Utilize small bowls and plates. We all know that a board dinner means easy clean-up, but smaller bowls and plates also ensure that you can guide guests with flavor combinations in an easy-to-visualize way. I like to group cheeses and fruits together on a plate that can be served together in one corner to help anchor the board, and smaller bowls with the accompanying toppings. Filler ingredients like crackers, nuts, and other fruits, can go in several places on a board to help add abundance and texture while filling out the board.
  • Choose fruits that last. Nothing is less appetizing than fruits that have turned brown or aren’t at their peak on a board. To ensure cut fruits (apples, pears, etc.) stay fresh and pretty, add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey to keep them looking fresher on the board longer.

Be sure to share your favorite crostini combinations with us in the comments!

This Dips & Crudité Grazing Board Is the Perfect Holiday Appetizer

We’re knee-deep in the holiday season, and truthfully, I couldn’t be happier about the gatherings that are quickly filling up my calendar. Just a few years ago, the thought of entertaining friends and family so frequently would send me down an anxiety spiral. Party planning and menu prepping—they may be some of my favorite things, but they can take a lot out of you. These days though, my stress is low and my excitement for get-togethers is at an all-time high. What’s changed? I’ve embraced the wow-factor simplicity of an aesthetic crudité platter.

Your Guide to Curating the Perfect Crudite Platter

No longer do the holidays mean extensive menus and fussy table settings. For me, it’s all about casual gatherings where my friends can squeeze together in my living room and around the kitchen island, topping up their drinks while deep in conversation and grazing straight from a board. Think of it like a giant mix-and-match dinner of conversation-worthy flavors and textures. And most of which can either be assembled ahead of time or requires very little prep.

Throughout the holiday season, I’ll be sharing some of my go-to grazing boards, each with a different theme. That way, you can serve an entire evening’s worth of meals, all on a board. And to kick us off, I’m sharing one of my favorites: the crowd-pleasing crudite platter.

How to Choose Veggies for a Crudite Platter

I know, I know, a board of vegetables? One word: yes. Especially during the holidays when I’m enjoying indulging in extra sweet treats and delicious things, I LOVE when someone breaks out a flavorful vegetable side dish or platter. It feels refreshing—and when done right, just as satisfying as any other food. But just because we’re doing a veggie crudite platter doesn’t mean you need to stick to boring vegetables. I live by one rule: exciting veggies only.

Follow this formula to ensure your veggie boards stay exciting for all to enjoy.

  • Fresh and crisp vegetables. Think crunchy and refreshing veggies that stand strong on their own. Cucumbers, radishes, rainbow carrots, sugar snap peas, and fresh baby greens or endive. I’ll also quick-blanch some asparagus or broccolini if I have it on hand.
  • Roasted and charred vegetables. Roasting these veggies adds a bit of that savory char to create a nice depth of flavor. Sliced zucchini tossed in lots of olive oil, baby potatoes, seasonal squash, and even out-of-season tomatoes all benefit from the roasting treatment while adding some interest to your board.
  • Pickled and bright vegetables. Perhaps my favorite category. This group of veggies is truly a make-ahead party trick since most of them are store-bought. (Unless you love to pickle veggies yourself, by all means!) Jars of artichokes, pickled peppers, olives, cornichons, and any fun vegetable from the olive bar at your local market make a great choice. Their pickled bite adds a nice flavor element to your crudite platter.

Following this formula ensures a strong variety of textures and flavors, making for the perfect holiday grazing board.

How to Choose Dips for a Crudite Platter

For the purpose of satiety and satisfying flavors, a selection of dips is a must. And if you’re at a loss for where to start, don’t worry—I have a formula for that as well.

  • A creamy and rich dip. ‘Tis the (holiday) season, after all. Including an indulgent dip on your tray is the perfect pairing for your crisp veggies. Spinach artichoke dip, cheesy jalapeño, buffalo chicken, pimento, or in this case—a caramelized onion dip. (Recipe below!)
  • A bright and zesty dip. Including a light and zesty dip adds a tangy and bright flavor to contrast any rich dishes. From tzatziki to salsas, or in this case, my herby lemon and sour cream, go with your favorites. (Yes, even a great ranch dressing!)
  • A bean dip. Seems simple enough, but having a hearty dip on the platter helps transform a snack plate into a full meal. While you could stick with hummus, for the holidays, you can find a seasonal variety, a black bean dip, or try a homemade recipe, like this spiced pumpkin white bean dip.

Assembly Tips and Tricks

Like any good charcuterie board, a few simple tips will help you craft a holiday-worthy crudite platter that’ll impress every guest.

  • Mix and match bowls and platters. The best part of serving everything on a board is that clean-up and serving are so much easier. But to add some depth and visual interest, layering small bowls and plates is a great way to group and ground different items together.
  • Use the same ingredient in several places on your board. This creates a visually cohesive vibe while also filling in any empty spaces you might have.
  • Include strategic filler ingredients. If a crudite board is all you’re serving, you’ll want to include some other ingredients that can make this board more satisfying. Think crackers or bread, or different nuts and salty snacks. This again will add textural interest while also adding more visual depth to your board.
  • Keep to-go boxes on hand. My number one hack for hosting is always having to-go boxes for my lingering friends to take with them. Is it mostly to save myself the headache of post-party clean-up? I’ll never tell… But a board like this is a great way for friends to add a bit of everything into a box to take home or snack on in their Uber on the way home.

Follow these tips and tricks for an Instagram-worthy crudite platter. And steal my recipe below for a crave-worthy caramelized onion dip that’s sure to be the star of your next holiday gathering. Enjoy!

Print

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Description

Creamy, vibrant, and packed with plenty of flavor, this caramelized onion dip is the star of any and every grazing board. Be prepared to share the recipe with every guest.


  • 2 large yellow onions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon honey

  1. Prep the caramelized onions. In a stovetop pan, add the oil and bring a medium heat. Add the onions and salt and cook until translucent. Cover the pan, keeping on low-medium heat, and cook the onions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, this is a low and slow process. Continue cooking until the onions are a golden brown color. Add the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan. The total cooking time should be 30-40 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

  2. In a food processor, add the sour cream, cream cheese, honey. Blend until smooth. Add about half the caramelized onions and blend. Stir in the other half of the onions. Salt to taste and adjust flavorings as desired.

  3. Pour into a serving bowl and chill until ready to serve.

How to Make a Vision Board and Create the Life of Your Dreams

I’ve never been one for directions. In fact, I’ve always joked that—when pursuing a route—it’s my instinct to set off in the opposite direction. Physically, without an internal compass, it’s easy to find myself lost. In a philosophical sense, I used to feel similarly about my life. Did my daily habits amount to a meaningful life? And while questions of purpose, our paths, and progress are normal, it can be helpful to have a framework to guide our way. That’s why, when I first learned about the concept of a vision board, I knew I’d landed on something game-changing.

Of course, I’m not the only one. As manifestation has gained traction in recent years, the practice of visually planning out our goals and creating a roadmap for our dream life has become widespread. And while skeptics may call this a lazy approach to simply sitting back and wishing our dreams will come true, combining a vision board with plenty of hard work could be one of the most powerful ways of moving our lives from point A to point B.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

What is a vision board?

I spent a lot of my teenage years hanging out at home on a Saturday night, cutting up issues of Seventeen and my past issues of my mom’s Martha Stewart Living to piece together a collage of images and words that resonated with where life found me—and where I wanted to be. While I didn’t have the words for it yet, I was physically putting the energy out into the universe to make these visual dreams come true. And in the decade-plus since then, I can confidently say: much of what I cut out and pasted has become a true and concrete part of my life.

Put simply, a vision board is a tool in our manifestation toolbox to help us transition from intention to reality. No matter our goals, a vision board is a compilation of the visuals and text that represent whatever it is you want to accomplish.

It’s important to note that a vision board is not the same as a mood board. The difference comes down to aesthetic planning versus goal planning. While a mood board can help you plan everything from the look and feel of a photo shoot to the design of a living room, a vision board is intended to serve as a reminder of a goal or the intentions you’ve set for yourself over a certain period of time.

Beyond that, when it comes to making a vision board, there are no rules! Simply identify what it is that you want to bring into your life, and let that guide the way for its physical or digital representation.

How to Make a Vision Board

All vision boards—no matter if you’re making one on a piece of poster board or curating a digital vision board to serve as your phone background—start in the same place: with an intention. Reflect on the goal of your vision board and what you’re hoping it will support you in achieving. I find it helpful to journal about what’s most important to me at this stage of my life. Ask yourself the following questions to reach a place of clarity:

  • What is one area of your life that could benefit from a shift or change?
  • What three words would you use to describe your life now? What three words would you use to describe where you would like your life to be?
  • What do you want your career, relationships, or personal life to look like five years from now?
  • Write about your ideal day. What are your habits? Where are you living? Who are you living with? What do you do for work?

By breaking down your life into specific areas of work, relationships, and personal time, it can be easier not only to see perhaps how you’d like to grow, but to gain a clearer understanding of the steps it’ll take to get there.

Now, when making your vision board, it can be easy to overwhelm yourself. However, a vision board is most effective when it represents either one specific goal or what you would like your life to look like in a specific period of time. With your responses to the questions above, identify which area of growth is the most important to you now and commit to building your vision board to progressing toward that goal.

Creating a Physical or Digital Vision Board

Often thought of as an ‘old-school’ method of vision boarding, I still find creating physical versions to be the most helpful manifestation tool for myself. However, I also have a separate digital vision board set as both my phone and desktop background. (One rule about vision boarding: so long as you’re able to stay focused, you can make as many as you’d like!)

Follow these steps to create the vision board of your dreams:

  1. Gather your inspiration. Cut up old magazines or hop on Pinterest to compile images, words, and quotes that resonate with you. This is key: don’t think too hard about it! Simply select what you’re attracted to at the moment. I find that it’s easier to sort through the images later as I’m starting to build my vision board. Be sure to prioritize clear images and easy-to-understand words that directly support and relate to your goal.
  2. Curate and collage. With your images cut out, use glue, tape, or Mod Podge to adhere them to a paper or poster board. Alternatively, if you’re creating a digital version, you can use a program like Canva to design your vision board. The basic version is free and supports you with everything you need to get started.
  3. Put your vision board where you’ll see it. This is important. For your vision board to work its metaphysical ways, be sure to position it strategically. Because I spend the majority of my weekdays at my desk, I keep mine posted behind my laptop, giving me the opportunity to look at it as often as possible. While you can place your vision board anywhere, other common areas include on the refrigerator, by your bedside, or framed up in your living room. Wherever you will see it most often is where your vision board will be most powerful.

Does a vision board work?

Visualization can be a powerful tool in helping us improve everything from self-confidence to performance to motivation. Here, the cliché applies: “Seeing is believing.” When we look at this visual representation of dreams and goals, we’re reminded of where we want to be—and the path it takes to get there.

Get the Camille Styles Vision Workbook

One of the easiest ways to get started? Download our free Vision Workbook. At Camille Styles, we’re aligned with the values behind vision boarding—believing that we need to set strategic goals to intentionally head in the direction of our dreams. We designed the workbook to help you do exactly that. Each page was intentionally crafted to help you along the process of identifying a vision for yourself—your career, your relationships, and your life.

In the workbook, you’ll gain support in the following:

  • Writing a mantra that encompasses your values and how you’d like to grow.
  • A structured plan to gain alignment in every area of your life, including Career & Creativity, Healthy & Wellness, and Personal Development.
  • Monthly check-ins to reflect on your progress and make adjustments if necessary.
  • A Daily Practice plan to ensure you’re always working toward your goals.

Ready to get started? You don’t have to wait until the New Year to make your dreams happen. Remember: The best time to begin is now.