A charcuterie board is a selection of food that offers an array of contrast in tastes, textures, and colors and is typically displayed on a board or platter. Charcuterie is a French term for a branch of cooking devoted to preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. It may also include cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, dips, olives, and bread. It is meant to be eaten as finger food, although some items may require utensils. Charcuterie is part of the garde manger chef's repertoire. Originally intended as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration was available and are prepared today for their flavors derived from the preservation processes.

Incidentally, the term Smörgåsbord has a very similar meaning. Contrary to the United States "Old Buffet" style adaptation, the roots are found in the upper class of 14th century Sweden where a small spread of bread, butter and cheese was offered before mealtime. The Smörgåsbord grew to include warm and cold meats in part due to the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm and officially became a main meal instead of an appetizer. These days (according to the internet), Sweden often does their Smörgåsbord for breakfast with foods like herring, salmon, sliced meats, cheeses, boiled veggies, and breads as well as sweets like berries added to pastries and porridge. 

The Italian equivalent of the French term charcuterie is affettati  also known as a Salumi board. Salumi is a term used to describe a wide range of different Italian meats that are salted, cured, and/or preserved. 

The Spanish version is known as Tabla de embutidos y quesos  and Greeks like to call theirs a mezze platter. 

As you can see, the French didn't really have the market cornered on charcuterie boards (no offense to my heritage) and it really is no surprise when you consider most of the popular dished we enjoy today migrated from country to country. Each country has put their own spin on fine dining. It's a great example of cultural differences that aren't really so different.  Wherever your charcuterie board originated, they all have one thing in common. They bring people together to celebrate food, friends, and family.