Prepare for Your Cheese Party
To select the cheeses to serve, start with those you know and like.
Pair your cheese choices with the appropriate wines.
Make certain that you have at least one ice bucket and/or wine chiller available.
Invest in a good hard cheese and soft cheese knife.
Get several special cheese knives.
Have bottled water handy to refresh the palate between wines and cheeses.
Go shopping for wine and cheese.
Presentation
Make sure you clearly label each cheese.
Make sure you provide plenty of toothpicks.
For used picks, set out a plate with an orange on it and stick a toothpick on top with the label "Used Picks" on it.
Provide lots of cute cocktail napkins.
Have small plates with cocktail forks ready.
Use pretty plates with a chic design or miniature wooden trays.
Pre-cut the cheeses into chunks or slices.
If you opt to have guests cut the cheese themselves, set out a sharp knife or cheese slicer and a wooden cutting board.
Set out individual cheese plates with a sampling of every cheese with fruits, jams, honey, and/or nuts.
Include a sampling of different meats together with the cheeses.
Choose breads and crackers that enhance the flavor of the cheeses.
Avoid breads made with any herbs or fruit.
Cheese Seletion
Brie - soft, creamy, and savory mild French cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano - hard cheese with a distinctive sharp and nutty flavor.
Gouda - semi-soft cheese with a mild, nutty flavor.
Aged or Mature Cheddar - has a strong, sharp taste.
Gruyere - hard cheese that is slightly grainy.

Cheese Party Checklist

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