Are you hosting friends and family or thinking of preparing a romantic evening for two? A simple, yet sophisticated bet is to have an evening of cheese and wine. Whether for its informality and laid-back nature, the fact is that this combination appeals to many palates. 

What’s more, the cheese and wine proposal is perfect for a couple to enjoy each other’s company, perhaps taking advantage of what they have in the fridge without much planning, just the desire to be together. The cheese and wine can be arranged on the patio, on the coffee table in the living room or on the dinner table. Check out our tips on how to prepare yours.

The number of guests

If the idea is to host a larger number of guests, it is important to plan the decoration, the types of cheese to be served, the accompaniments and the drinks. But don’t despair! This is all easier than you might think.

Define the number of guests you will host. This information is key to choosing which spaces will be used, the number of pieces you need to arrange and also the food to serve.

If the number of guests is more than your table can accommodate, a buffet style service is ideal. This allows all guests to serve themselves at their leisure, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Arrange the plates (preferably dessert plates), flatware, napkins, glasses and of course the cheeses and accompaniments on the table.

The Tramontina Marie porcelain line is a beautiful option for the occasion. 

Decoration

In buffet service, you can opt for a tablecloth or explore different positions of doilies and table runners. Depending on the size of your desk, they can be used horizontally, vertically or perpendicularly. 

There are many products for sale in home decoration and houseware stores for serving cheese. Tramontina, for example, has several options of serving cutting boards, including different, modern formats, and accessories such as glass domes. 

So that no one gets confused

If you are going to have a number of guests that your dining room can accommodate, you can assign seating and arrange the cheese and accompaniments in the center of the table. In this proposal, wine charms for the glass of each guest are a great choice. 

Use identifiers for the cheeses. In addition to adding charm, they help guests when trying out the available options. Don’t forget the knives for cutting them, which can be positioned close to the cutting board.

There are several types of knives and Tramontina has various options, with stainless-steel blades and wood or polypropylene handles. Learn about the main types of knives and how to use them:

• Cheese knife with holes: creamy, spreadable cheeses. 

• Sharp cheese knife: for parmesan.

• Sharp edge: blue cheeses or goat cheese.

• Soft cheese (brie) knife.

If you prefer, just before guests arrive, cut a few pieces of the cheeses so that everyone feels more at ease and has an indication of how to cut them.

Glasses for wine and water

For wine glasses, arrange them at the table or in the area of your choice, either on the sideboard or on a cart. Remember to include water glasses and a pitcher for replenishment throughout the evening.

To keep guests’ wine glasses from getting mixed up, use wine charms. You can even write names, nicknames and creative messages on the glass. Oh, and to keep the atmosphere cozy, don’t forget candles and a good playlist.

Are you excited about preparing a cheese and wine evening to have your friends over? Use and abuse your creativity and enjoy!