How to Host a Cheese Tasting Party
I recently hosted a casual cheese tasting party and think it is a really convenient way to host a girl’s night or even a holiday party, since there is minimal cooking involved. Guests also enjoy the interactivity of tasting and comparing new cheeses. All you need to create your own tasting party is a trip to the store and some creative arrangement. Here are a few ideas to make your cheese party a success.
Cheese & Complimentary Foods:
- Buy a variety of cheeses at your local supermarket or cheese shop. A good rule of thumb is to pick one or two cheeses in the soft, semi-soft, and hard cheese categories. Start with crowd pleasers like cheddar, Brie, and Roquefort. Buy other cheeses to spice things up.
- Serve plain breads like baguettes, crackers, and flat bread.
- Have some jams available for a bit of sweetness.
- Have a bowl of nuts available.
- Pick a particular varietal or region and have guests bring wine according to the theme.
- Make it a beer and cheese party, and pair different types of beer with your cheese.
Décor & Setup:
- Arrange cheeses on wooden cutting boards adorned with grapes or other fruit for a rustic look.
- Create cheese labels using corks. Lay the cork horizontally and cut in half to make it stand. Once the cork is standing horizontally, cut a slit along the top and insert a place card with the name of the cheese. Place label on cutting board next to cheese.
- Arrange wine glasses and small plates on table next to cutting board.
- Create a centerpiece by filling a cylinder vase with grapes and water. Arrange flowers of your choice in the grapes.
Penelope