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1. Select a serving tray. A wooden cutting board is timeless, but feel free to get creative with your serving vessel. You can choose your grandmother’s crystal platter or that festive holiday tray or repurpose a favorite cake plate. The only rule is the tray must be large enough to hold all your cheese plus accompaniments without being overcrowded.

2. Choose cheese wisely. Select three to five varieties of cheese for your board. This provides nice variation without overwhelming guests with too many options. When in doubt, remember this rhyme when shopping: something old, something new, something stinky, and something blue. Whether it’s fresh mozzarella and tart feta or aged Asiago and buttery fontina, you’ll have a nice variety for everyone.

3. Get the right amounts. You want enough cheese to satisfy everyone, but you don’t want loads of leftovers. Typically, 4–6 ounces of cheese per person is a good estimate; increase or decrease that amount based on time of day and other foods being served (for example, a bountiful luncheon versus a light cocktail hour).

4. Add accompaniments and garnishes. For a well-rounded cheeseboard, extras are essential. Crackers, crostini, and bread as well as nuts, dried fruit, olives, and meats can be customized to your tastes. For a festive take on your cheeseboard, add quintessential holiday-themed foods such as cranberry jam, roasted chestnuts, fresh figs, and even pumpkin butter. For pops of color, add in fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary. These extras not only add a plethora of flavors but they also beautify your presentation.

5. Consider proper preparation. One of the best parts of a cheeseboard is it can be prepared ahead of time. This means less work and more time to spend with loved ones during holiday events. To get started, organize your cheeseboard in an eye-appealing manner with cheeses from mildest to strongest flavor, as that’s the best way to sample them. Keep in mind you can set cheese out about an hour before serving, as this time allows cheese to adjust to room temperature, maximizing flavors. Then add extras to fill in the spaces on the board, placing garnishes like jams and honey in the middle.

Whether you’re hosting a casual neighborhood gathering, a festive celebration with family, or a formal get-together with business partners, a delectable cheeseboard is ideal for guests to nosh on. For more inspiration, visit www.stellacheese.com.