Plan a Cheese Party

The Party at a Glance

How It Works

Guests sample delicious cheeses while they mingle. Yup, it’s that simple.

Whom to invite: About 12 of your favorite food lovers. Even die-hard Velveeta fans will enjoy a party like this.

Invitations or e-mail? Try a hybrid: Real Simple’s customizable (and free) Evites, available at realsimple.com/evite.

What to serve: Don’t let the cheese stand alone. Pair it with delicious accompaniments and wines.

Your Game Plan

A few days before the party…

• Buy the cheese. Skip the supermarket and go to a specialty store for the tastiest selection. Or shop online at artisanalcheese.com or murrayscheese.com; allow 2 business days for delivery.
• Make cheese labels and tasting cards. Then guests can know―and keep track of―what they’re sampling.

1 to 2 hours before the party… 

• Take the cheese out of the refrigerator. It has the fullest flavor at room temperature.
• Prepare the bar. Chill the white wine and set out glasses.
• Open two reds and two whites to make it easy to get the party started.
• Set out the food. Space out a few cheese boards around the room so guests don’t clump in one spot.