The do's and don'ts of cheese platters

Create the perfect cheese platter for your next cocktail party with these handy tips from the team at Norton St Grocer.

Don't serve too many cheeses in one sitting, 3-5 cheeses is plenty. Go for a soft cheese such as the Rouzaire Camembert, a firm cheese such as the Margaret River Cheddar or the King Island Smoked Cheddar and a blue cheese such as a Roquefort. Finally, add a bit of smooth tang with a goat cheese such as the Meredith Dairy Chevre in ash.

Do serve cheese at room temperature.

Do place your harder cheeses on the outside of your cheese board so they're easier to cut.

Do serve each cheese with its own knife so you don't mix the flavours.

Do add some contrast to your cheeses with some quince paste, dried fruit, pickles and fresh fruit such as fig or pear.

Do provide a variety of crackers and bread. There's nothing worse than a cheese board without enough crackers.

Do try something different with your cheese board. For a deliciously different take on an old favourite, drizzle some honey over your Camembert and sprinkle with chopped nuts for crunch.