In the Details

Throw a Cheese Party

Let Heather help you whip up a simple evening with cheese, fruit, bread and wine.

Getting together with friends doesn’t mean you need to spend the day slaving away in the kitchen preparing a heavy meal. Here’s a fun idea for a cheese pairing party that is simple and elegant.

Begin with a piece of cheesecloth to drape over your table or buffet. You can pick it up at any craft store for less than $3, it adds texture, and it fits the cheese theme beautifully. I recommend using very simple serving platters and white cake/salad plates so that the cheese really stands out. Pull out any cake stands or footed dishes you have so that the cheese can be elevated at different heights along the table. This makes it easier for guests to see and it adds visual interest. Rather than purchase cheese markers, use clothespins to hold the names of the cheeses. Round out your cheese party by adding dried fruits, nuts, grapes, and figs.

For this table I made a very simple centerpiece using items from around the house. Grab a branch from the yard and make sure it is balanced enough to stay upright in an empty wine bottle without being wobbly. While you could certainly stop there for a very simple design, I added flowers by cutting scrap fabric, using buttons or beads as the center and hot glued a few onto the branch. This didn’t require any sewing and brought an element of spring anticipation to the table.

Heather Coones

Heather Coones owns Botanica Event and Floral Design. You can see her work at www.designbotanica.blogspot.com and can reach her at 913-208-8956.