Cheese board ideas: how to arrange a beautiful cheese board

A cheese board doesn't have to be complicated. What makes the difference between a messy table and an inviting cheese board comes down to a few simple choices: which cheeses you choose, what you put alongside them, and how you arrange it all on a board or platter. Here's an overview you can use next time you're laying the table.

The short answer to how you make a beautiful cheese board

Start by choosing several types of cheese, so there's something for every taste. Put accompaniments such as fruit, nuts and crackers next to the cheeses rather than mixing them in between. Arrange it all on a board or platter with enough room that the cheeses don't touch each other, and where guests can easily reach in and cut a slice.

These are the three tricks that give a cheese board a thoughtfully put-together look, without taking long to assemble.

Choosing cheeses: create variety in taste and shape

A cheese board works best when there's variety to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to start with four types:

• A hard cheese, which can be cut into thin slices or smaller pieces.
• A soft cheese that's creamy and easy to spread or cut into a piece.
• A blue cheese for those who like a stronger flavour.
• A goat's cheese, which often has a slightly tangy and light character.

With that combination, the board gets variety in both flavour and appearance, without you needing to have too many cheeses out at once.

Accompaniments: what ties the cheese board together

The accompaniments are just as important as the cheeses themselves. They add contrasts in flavour and let guests put together their own plate. Think:

• Fruit, fresh or dried, to add sweetness.
• Nuts to add crunch.
• Olives for a salty counterpart.
• Jam to balance out stronger cheeses.
• Crackers and bread as a base under the cheese.

Do set out olives or jam in a small dish, so it doesn't spread out over the rest of the table. A Lemon Dish from Caja Company or an Oyster Dish from &Klevering, for example, can be used for just this kind of smaller accompaniment.

Temperature: why the cheese should come out in good time

Cheese tastes best at room temperature. So take it out of the fridge in good time before your guests arrive, so it has time to warm up. Cold cheese straight from the fridge can seem firm and a bit bland, while the same cheese at room temperature opens up more in flavour. It's a small detail that makes a real difference to the experience at the table.

Presentation: a board or platter with room for it all

Presenting the cheeses is all about giving them room. Use a board or platter big enough for each cheese to have its own space, and lay a separate knife next to each cheese so the flavours don't mix along the way. Labels with the cheese's name are a simple way to make it easy for guests to choose, without having to ask every time.

If you need to find the right board, take a look at the shop's collections for Cheese platters and Cheese boards. If you already have a chopping board at home, it can easily be used for the purpose, for example a chopping board from EJA, which is hand-cast in resin and well suited for serving cheese, tapas and bread on the same board.

Finishing touches: the last details on the cheese board

Finally, you can decorate with grapes and fresh herbs placed loosely between the cheeses. It adds colour and makes the table more lively to look at. A small bowl for jam belongs too, so it doesn't spread across the board but stays gathered in one place where guests can easily help themselves.

Summary

A lovely cheese board spread needs nothing more than variety in the cheeses, accompaniments placed alongside, room-temperature cheese and a board or platter with space for it all. With those elements in place and a little decoration like grapes and herbs, the cheese board is ready for a warm welcome.

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