Party by Numbers

How much is enough, and how much is too much? Here are the right amounts to have.

For eight people: Three pounds of cheese, four bottles of wine
For 16 people: Six pounds of cheese, eight bottles of wine
For 24 people: Nine pounds of cheese, 12 bottles of wine

Assemble a variety of textures and flavors). For a well-rounded plate, choose at least one cheese from each of the four basic categories below:

Category 1 — Aged: Aged Cheddar, Comte, Goat Gouda
Category 2 — Soft: Constant Bliss, Camembert, Brillat-Savarin
Category 3 — Firm: Manchego, Mimolette, Parmigiano-Reggiano
Category 4 — Blue: Gorgonzola Dolce, Valdeon, Stilton

If you want to serve a pungent, stinky-socks cheese, place it on a separate plate so it doesn’t overpower more delicate ones. Serve at least one familiar cheese; four or five choices are enough.

Undecided? Most cheese mongers give out plenty of free advice — and a modest number of samples. For more information (and to order by mail), go to www.murrayscheese.com or www.artisanalcheese.com. Buy more hard cheeses than soft ones; they have a much longer refrigerator life, so you can nibble on leftovers days and even weeks after the party.