Start by arranging larger items on a large, flat surface like a cutting board. Items in containers like bowls of olives, small jars of jam, or a ramekin of honey are a good starting point.
Next, place a variety of cheeses on different corners of the board. Place a cheese knife next to each selection so the flavors don't get mixed.
Variety of cheeses:
Arrange sliced crusty bread or crackers near the cheese. Try not to go overboard since these can take up a lot of real estate on your fruit and cheese platter. Sometimes I serve these in a separate bowl or plate next to the fruit and cheese platter instead.
An assortment of:
Set cured meats like salami or summer sausage on the board next.
Something salty:
Add larger fruits like sliced apples, pears, persimmons, pomegranate segments, and so on, filling up the board.
Variety of fruits, fresh or dried:
Fill in empty spaces with smaller fruits like grape clusters, berries, dried fruit, nuts, and squares of dark chocolate.
Something sweet: