saratoga living’s

rose gold “The salami

rose is a very controversial charcuterie trend,” Dibble says. Clearly, judging by this holiday board, she’s on the pro–meat flower side of the debate.

Erika Dibble wasn’t the first to broadcast her grazing board creations on social media, and she won’t be the last. But in the wide world of charcuterie Instagram, the Saratogian may just be the meat-and-cheese influencer with the most personality—a fact that helped her @saratogagrazingco account crest 100K followers earlier this year. “I was just myself and very weird,” she says of her personality-driven reels.

“And people were like ‘Yes, she’s like me. She’s weird, too.’”

If you’ve been living under a block of Beaufort and aren’t up on the latest happenings in the coagulated milk-meets-social media scene, charcuterie boards have taken up residence in one quirky corner of Instagram and TikTok dedicated to those who find satisfaction in a perfectly plated parmesan or expertly carved wheel of brie—often carved into Christmas tree shapes and paired with all sorts of festival holiday goodies this time of year.

And once your algorithm catches on to your double-tapping tendencies, get ready for more—much more. “The salami rose is a very controversial charcuterie trend,” she continues. And that’s not to mention the polarizing butter boards—a trend in which Dibble vows never to dabble—that involve dipping bread into copious amounts of butter and toppings spread on a wooden board. She does however venture into the realms of veggie-filled crudités boards, cookie-clad goodie boards and bread-heavy carb boards, as well as the hot chocolate boards that are extra hot this time of year. “During the holidays you’ll see people make charcuterie chalets”—gingerbread houselike structures made of charcuterie. “I call them meat huts.”

While keeping up with a wildly successful Instagram account requires staying hip to all the trends and creating a steady stream of content to feed the insatiable social media beast, running a wildly successful grazing board business is no walk in the park, either. On the day before Thanksgiving 2021, Dibble singlehandedly constructed 43 boards, and counts a 12-foot grazing table among her most impressive feats. ”It was

style points “Culturally

and historically, charcuterie is never out of style,” Saratoga Grazing Co owner Erika Dibble says. “But during the pandemic it became really popular.”

completely covered,” she says. “I did that by myself, because my mom was on vacation. How dare she. She is voluntold to help me. She doesn’t volunteer—she’s voluntold.”

In her free time—you know, between making upwards of 50 boards a week, and more during the busy Halloween/ Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year’s season—Dibble, a former teacher, is a mother of two and an instructor at Pure Barre. “I saw they were opening the studio and I just reached out and was like, ‘Hey, I’m not teaching anymore…Can I do this? Do you need teachers?’” she says. “’I have zero experience, but hire me.’ And they did.”

That dive-in-and-learn-how-to-swim-later attitude extends to Dibble’s fall into the charcuterie world, too. Growing up on Long Island, food was the main attraction at holidays, with her family—Dad is from Switzerland, where “cheese is a big part of the culture”—often gathered around a fondue pot. It wasn’t until she had 10 years of teaching under her belt, and had landed in Saratoga vis-à-vis Florida, that she began toying with the idea of a charcuterie business. “I posted my logo on March 12, 2020, and on March 13, the world shut down,” she says. After that slight setback, Saratoga Grazing Co was up and running by Memorial Day Weekend 2020, and the rest is history. “The first year I got about 10,000 followers and I hit 20,000 right around my two-year anniversary,” she says. “And then over this summer it blew up. I gained 63,000 followers in 90 days.”

And how? Consistency, posting a ton of Instagram reels, and being herself. A scroll through Dibble’s Instagram account reveals plenty of gorgeous grazing boards being assembled, with the occasional cameo by Dibble—dancing in the fall foods aisle of Trader Joe’s, dancing in front of grazing tables, making a late-night snack of popcorn and melted shredded cheese. In one reel that’s racked up a whopping 8.1 million views, Dibble, in front of an empty table, counts to four on her fingers at which point the video jumps to the table completely covered in charcuterie. “I can just be my weird, creative self,” she says. “It’s a nice outlet, especially when you’re home being a mom. Like, I can be the mom, and I can also own a business and be creative.”

saratoga living’s Holiday Gift Guide

WE ASKED FIVE INSTAGRAMMERS TO DREAM UP THEIR TOP GIFT IDEAS HEADING INTO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. FROM TOYS FOR LITTLE BOYS TO THE CHICEST SARATOGA SWEATER ON THE BLOCK, THESE ARE THEIR CHOICES.

Live Holiday Wreath

starting at $65 Arcadian Revival There are always a few people we end up scrambling to find a holiday gift for. Bring the nostalgic, invigorating smell of pine to your friends or family with a wreath for their door or to use as a centerpiece. I’ll be taking a limited number of orders this holiday season (email bethany@ arcadianrevival.com), but you can also find gorgeous wreaths at Native Farm Flowers, Hewitt’s Garden Center or Sunnyside Gardens.

Custom Frame

Price varies Kettlewell and Edwards When it comes to design, especially for the home, there is nothing more important than making the space your own. Whether it’s surrounding a textile, old print or family photo, a custom frame is sure to be a successful gift. Kettlewell and Edwards is located right on Phila Street, and owners Chloe and Kate work across budgets and can help with design. I’m guessing they’re already busy, so pop in soon!

for the home Bethany Khan

@arcadianrevival

Expanding Universe: The Hubble Space Telescope

$40 Northshire Bookstore Few gifts can be more beautiful, touching and appropriate across a wide audience than books. Surrounding a home with books provides warmth and places value on edification. Anything you choose from Taschen Books is a win. Expanding Universe is a moving, artistic look into space that’s certainly a pleasing addition to any coffee table or book shelf.

Historic Union Avenue Porch Spindle Candlestick Holders

$38 for a set of two Waverly Square Antiques A little birdie told me that there are a few pairs of these candlesticks still available at Waverly Square Antiques in Ballston Spa. Candles and candlesticks instantly add holiday charm to any home and, who knows—maybe you’ll find a special gift for yourself while exploring Waverly Square’s maze of antique treasures!

Hand-painted Horse Bottle Opener

$18 Silverwood Home and Gallery This would not be a Saratoga gift guide without something equestrian included! I love to give gifts that meld home with food and wine, like this gorgeous, hand-painted, cast iron horse bottle opener. Pair it with a bottle of Old Tavern Farm’s Cabernet Sauvignon for the perfect hostess gift for any party.

for him Jack Carpenter

@jacksoncarp/@twobuttonsdeep

Custom Pet Portrait

$120-$220 FEATHERED ANTLER I started commissioning custom pet paintings for the people in my life with animals, and they have never failed to bring a big smile. All it takes is one picture of a pet, and Feathered Antler’s Gretchen Tisch will create an incredible painting that will live forever in your loved one’s gallery.

Dinner and a Show

Price varies Dinner and a show is a classic gift that often gets overlooked, but it’s hands down one of the best gifts you can give. Not only is it a great gift in the moment, but it also gives you and the recipient something to look forward to for the weeks or months leading up to the event. Some of my most memorable shows have been at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Palace Theatre, The Egg and Proctors Theatre, all of which have tons of great restaurants nearby.

Stewart’s Shops Gift Card

Any amount You really can’t go wrong picking up a Stewart’s gift card for anybody that lives in the great upstate. If someone doesn’t appreciate a Stewart’s gift card, you probably don’t want them in your life.

Decorative Pennant

Price varies Oxford Pennant I was sold on Buffalo-based Oxford Pennant after a visit to their HQ last winter. They produce everything in house and offer a wide range of inspirational, quirky and decorative pennants to hang in your home, office or at an event. I have a large “You’ll Think of Something” pennant that hangs in my living room… it was helpful to channel that message while making this list.

Printed Photos

$18 per roll McGreevey ProLab & ProPress There’s something special about pictures taken on a disposable camera: Maybe it’s the film effect, maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s that you forget what’s on the film by the time you remember to develop it. For a unique gift, pick up a disposable camera and capture a special event or trip with a friend of family member. Afterward, get the film developed at McGreevey in downtown Albany and gift the photos (yes, real photographs!) to your loved one.

Poppy & Pout Lip Scrub

$15 Caroline + Main Kill the stocking stuffer game this Christmas with an exfoliating lip scrub by Poppy & Pout. The product is 100 percent natural and comes in many varieties, such as pomegranate peach, island coconut, marshmallow creme and pink grapefruit. Now to decide which one to buy…

for her Ashlee Rose Hartley

@ashleerosehartley

Saratoga Sweater

$132 Pink Paddock

Local Tea Sampler and Local Honey

$56 Saratoga Tea & Honey When shopping at Saratoga Tea & Honey, it’s hard not to go home with both tea and honey! Not sure what to get? Go with a tea sampler (there are three varieties—Fruit & Floral, Herbal and World of Tea) paired with 100 percent raw local honey, which was made within 30 miles of Amsterdam right here in the Capital Region.

Caddis Readers

$95-$115 Lifestyles of Saratoga The silver lining to having bad eyesight? You have one more way to accessorize! Pick up a pair of Caddis reading glasses for your farsighted friend or family member; they come in a variety of styles and colors to fit any fashionista’s aesthetic.

This sweater is one of Pink Paddock’s most popular items year round, but it’s an especially great purchase heading into the holiday season. The lady in your life will love repping Saratoga Springs in style and comfort all winter long.

Hoka Clifton 8

$140 iRun Local Whether you’re buying for a seasoned runner or someone just getting into the sport (like me!) you can’t go wrong with a new pair of Hokas. The Clifton 8 is best for everyday running and walking, and comes in all sorts of eye-catching colors.