A great holiday cheese board doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need a little planning to pull together a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just looking for a snack while you wrap presents, putting together a holiday cheese board is a fun, customizable way to impress your guests. 

So, here’s my foolproof way to create a killer holiday cheese board, and trust me, everyone will be talking about it! 

1. Start with the Cheese (of course!) 

First things first—cheese is the star of the show. You can’t have a holiday cheese board without it. Here’s the trick: get a variety of textures and flavors to keep everyone happy. I recommend 3-4 types, each from a different category: 

• Soft Cheese (think Brie, Goat Cheese, Camembert) 
• Semi-Soft Cheese (like Smoked Gouda, Jarlsberg, or even Blue Cheese) 
• Hard Cheese (Manchego, Aged Cheddar, Parmesan) 
• A Semi-Hard Cheese (Swiss, Gruyère, or Provolone) 

This balance will give your guests a nice mix of creamy, tangy, sharp, and nutty flavors. You want to give everyone a variety of flavors, and don’t forget to look at the colors—make sure there’s some contrast, so you don’t end up with an all-white cheese board! 

For a cozy winter vibe, I suggest a Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay paired with your soft cheeses—its acidity cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors perfectly. 

2. Add Some Cured Meats 

A little charcuterie goes a long way. Adding a few cured meats to your cheese board gives it that extra wow factor. The saltiness of the meat pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese, and it's a classic combo for a reason. 

• Prosciutto de Parma 
• Salami 
• Peppered Salami 
• Serrano Ham 
• Chorizo 

If you want to get fancy, try marinated olives or roasted nuts to bring even more dimension to the board. If you’re really feeling festive, you can even add some cranberry jam to go with the meats! 

3. Don’t Forget the Crackers and Bread 

You need something to put all that cheese and meat on, right? Think of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or breadsticks—basically, anything you can pile your cheese and cured meats on top of. 

• Toasted Baguette Slices: Crunchy, warm, and perfect for spreading soft cheese like Brie or goat cheese. 
• Crackers: A simple option that doesn’t steal the show but complements all the rich flavors. 
• Breadsticks: Great for dipping in your favorite spreads or serving with creamy cheeses like Camembert. 

It’s all about providing texture—some crunchy, some chewy. The more options, the better. 

4. Fruits and Nuts: Color and Flavor 

This is where you get to have a little fun! The fruits and nuts add not only beautiful color but great flavor and texture to the board. These are the “fillers” that bring everything together and make it look bountiful. 

• Fresh Fruits: Grapes, pomegranate seeds, figs, apple slices, pears, or seasonal berries. 
• Dried Fruits: Apricots, cranberries, dates, or raisins. 
• Nuts: Pistachios, walnuts, pecans, and almonds (whether raw or roasted, they all add that satisfying crunch). 
• Candied Nuts: These can be a real showstopper and add sweetness to balance out the savory. 

5. The Fun Stuff: Extras 

Okay, now for the extras—this is where your board really stands out from the rest! These are the condiments and little flavor boosts that take your holiday cheese board from good to extraordinary. 

• Spreads and Jams: Fig jam, honey, or a bit of apricot preserves (perfect for pairing with brie!). 
• Marinated Vegetables: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or marinated olives add a Mediterranean twist. 
• Pesto or Tapenade: These are great spreads to mix with soft cheeses or meats. 
• Pickles: A small jar of dill or bread-and-butter pickles can give a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness. 

It’s all about creating layers of flavor, so don’t shy away from bold or unexpected items—bacon jam anyone? Adding a little something extra will make your holiday cheese board a crowd favorite. 

6. The Finishing Touches: How to Style Your Board 

A cheese board isn’t just about the food—it’s also about the presentation. The visual appeal of a holiday cheese board can really elevate your event. You can make your board feel festive by adding small sprigs of rosemary, or placing your board on a rustic wooden cutting board for that homey vibe. Here are a few quick tips: 

• Arrange the cheeses in a circle and build around them. This will give your board a nice flow and balance. 
• Add fruits and nuts in small groupings around the cheeses. Keep everything a little clustered but still accessible for guests. 
• Use small bowls to hold things like olives, jams, or nuts, and give your board a clean, organized look. 

You can also add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, seasonal touch. If you’re feeling extra festive, even a few cinnamon sticks for garnish can give your board a little holiday flair! 

As you start assembling your cheese board using the tips above, aim for a mix of textures, bold flavors, and seasonal ingredients. Focus on sharp, aged cheeses, rich nuts like walnuts, and winter fruits such as tart plums and olives to complement the Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the perfect time to get creative and make your board a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Below is a snapshot of what your holiday cheese tray could look like when you put all these ideas together: