Entertaining around the holidays, or anytime, can be stressful and challenging. The anxiety around it can sometimes defeat the purpose of the gathering.

Cheese and charcuterie boards are always a great way to reduce the workload on the host/hostess and they offer myriad choices for guests and can be beautifully designed.

Here are a few tips from our resident Certified Cheese Professional Devin for creating a cheese masterpiece.

Choose a store/shop that is both high volume and has an experienced and knowledgeable staff. Be sure to offer number if guests, budget, likes/dislikes, wine pairings, and occasion. All these things matter to your cheese monger.

Think of offering different colors, textures, flavors, intensities, milk sources and countries of origin. All these things matter to your guests.

Be certain to include various cured meats (salami, prosciutto, etc), fresh and dried fruits (grapes, apples, figs, dates, apricots, etc), jams/jellies/preserves, pickled items and olives, fresh cut vegetables or whole cherry tomatoes, nuts of various types, plain and flavored crackers (even potato chips), and chocolates, chocolate bark or caramels. Consider different shapes, sizes, and textures for the cheeses you present. Some can, in fact, be left whole or as an entire wheel/portion. All things matter to exploration and beauty.

Do some internet research for visual inspiration on the layout of the board/grazing table. It’s ok to copy and mimic some stunning creations.

Have fun when you’re designing the board and be proud of your display. Have some reserve cuts and supplies, or another board, in reserve to be able to refresh or offer more snacks for new guests (or for round two)! All these things matter for a fun party!