Tiny Boats, Big Feelings - My First Charcuterie Boat Adventure

Martina K.
Aug 7
2 min read

Updated: Aug 21

Some stories deserve a second chapter.

And this one? It picked up right where the last one left off - with community, kindness, and cheese. Watch the YouTube vlog here or at the end of the post!

From Dog Hotels to Football Fields 🐾⚽

If you’ve read my previous event post, you already know the beautiful story of how my friendship began with one of the warmest souls I’ve ever met - through a spontaneous trip to Greece and a last-minute call to a local dog hotel. That phone call turned into a connection that’s grown into one of the most meaningful friendships in my life.

She and her husband not only run a dog hotel, but also a shelter (DSZÁ Állatmentés), and they regularly organize Family Day events to raise awareness and donations for their foundation. These events are always magical - full of glitter tattoos, hair braiding, coloring, horseback riding, and so much joy.

And this time, it was even bigger.

A New Location, A New Role

This Family Day was held at the local football field, complete with a concert for the kids and the cozy, familiar aroma of goulash simmering in a giant pot. Other volunteers were handling the main meal - I was on appetizer duty. 😄

The best part?

This time, Sajtina was already officially born. But of course, just like before, I happily donated the food for the cause.

And I knew just what I wanted to bring.

Charcuterie Boats: A First Test Sail ⛵🧄🍇

I’d been dreaming up an idea for charcuterie boats - individual, appetizer-sized bites served in cute little bamboo boats. This was the perfect chance to test them in real life.

I prepared 50 boats in total. Each one thoughtfully arranged with different combinations:

Some without cheese 🧀
Some without olives 🫒
Some with a little bit of everything

So everyone could pick what they liked, no awkward picking around ingredients.

And just like last time, I made sure to include 2 vegan boats for the amazing vegan couple who help tirelessly with the dogs.

Each boat was individually wrapped in translucent foil, sealed with my Sajtina sticker, and displayed on a long table set up for appetizers. Watching that table fill up with tiny, elegant boats... I felt proud. Nervous. Hopeful.

Watching it Unfold

I stepped back and let the boats do their thing.

Guests walked up, smiled, scanned the choices, opened the wraps... and grazed. Some took pictures. Others scanned the QR code on the sticker to check out my Instagram or website. I watched people discover what I’d made with love, and that quiet moment that subtle connection meant everything.

A Tiny Contribution That Filled My Heart

It was just a small addition to a big, beautiful day. But being part of it, sharing something handmade and heartfelt, and seeing it received with warmth and curiosity... it meant the world.

These tiny boats? They gave me a glimpse into the future. And I can’t wait to sail further. 💛