How to Pick the Right Cheese for Your Event
There’s something magical about a cheese board at a gathering. It invites people in. It slows the room down. It sparks conversation between strangers. But choosing the right cheeses for an event isn’t just about picking what looks pretty — it’s about understanding the mood, the guest list, and the experience you want to create.
At Dobbs & Bishop, we help customers plan everything from intimate dinners to large celebrations. Here’s how to think about selecting cheese that truly fits the moment.
Start with the Type of Event
A casual birthday party calls for something different than a formal wedding reception. For relaxed gatherings, crowd-pleasers are your best friend — nutty Alpine cheeses, creamy triple-crèmes, aged cheddars, and a familiar blue. These are approachable and easy to love.
For more elevated occasions, you can introduce cheeses with a stronger personality: a washed rind with a gentle funk, a raw milk sheep’s milk cheese with grassy complexity, or a beautifully aged Comté that tells a story with every bite.
The tone of your event should guide the tone of your board.
Know Your Guest List
Are your guests adventurous? Or do they gravitate toward the familiar?
A balanced board usually includes:
Something soft and creamy
Something firm or aged
Something bold
Something unexpected
If you’re unsure, lean toward contrast rather than intensity. A mild bloomy rind paired with a sharp aged cheese creates excitement without overwhelming anyone.
For corporate events or large gatherings, we often recommend cheeses that hold well at room temperature and slice cleanly for easy serving.
Think About Pairings Early
Cheese doesn’t stand alone. Crackers, fruit, nuts, and preserves can completely change the experience.
A sweet fig jam softens a salty blue. Honey brightens a nutty Alpine cheese. Crisp apples bring freshness to rich triple-crème.
If wine is involved, consider balance:
Sparkling wines love creamy cheeses
Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with goat cheese
A bold red complements aged cheeses
Port or sherry can transform a blue cheese moment
Pairings should enhance, not compete.
Plan for Quantity (Without Overdoing It)
A common question: how much cheese do I need?
For a cocktail-style event, plan for about 2–3 ounces per person. If cheese is part of a larger spread, you can scale back slightly. If it’s the centerpiece, increase accordingly.
It’s better to offer fewer cheeses of excellent quality than too many that don’t get appreciated.
Presentation Matters
The way cheese is displayed changes how it’s enjoyed. Pre-cut pieces make grazing easy. Larger wedges invite conversation and interaction. Labels (even simple handwritten ones) can encourage curiosity.
And don’t forget temperature. Cheese tastes best when it’s not fridge-cold. Take it out about an hour before serving so flavors can open up fully.
Let Us Help
Choosing cheese for an event doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hosting a wedding shower, corporate tasting, holiday party, or backyard celebration, we’re happy to guide you or you can order one of our classic boards here.
At Dobbs & Bishop, every platter is thoughtfully composed with balance, beauty, and flavor in mind. We love helping you create something that feels generous, inviting, and unforgettable.
Stop by the shop in Bronxville or explore our event offerings online — we’d be delighted to help you build the perfect board!