Planning a wine and cheese party is a stout excuse to get friends together and they are easier to host than you might think. Here are 10 simple suggestions to help ensure planning your next party is a saunter.
Keep your guest count to a manageable number
One of the surprisingly considerable elements in hosting a successful party can be your guest count. Having too many people can take away from the enjoyment as you get yourself running around the entire night trying to mingle with all the guests. Keep it at a smaller number, maybe 10-15 max. I've found the most enjoyable parties are those with less people as everyone can talk and be pleased the wine.
Send out invitations
Websites like Evite offer free solutions to quickly send out invites through email, allowing you to track responses. It is necessary to know how many people will be attending so you can plan your shopping accordingly. You can send out reminders to those who have not RSVP'd or even those who have confirmed so they do not forget the date as it approaches.
Plan a Theme
One of the best things about wine and cheese as there are endless theme options. Whether it be a type of wine, a region, or whatever else you can dream up, a theme makes the night even more interesting. A theme can be something as simple as European wines and cheeses, or something more specific like a blind tasting of wines from the Sonoma Coast. By keeping your parties themed, you can host regular events that guests will look forward to attending .
Make Definite to Choose Pairings That Compliment Each Other
Cheeses and wines from the same regions tend to pair the best. It is generally accepted that white wines pair best with stronger flavors and soft cheeses. Red wines pair better with harder cheeses and more quiet flavors. If you are unsure of what cheeses go best with what wines, be obvious to check one of the many resources to find the best array of wines and cheese to serve together. One enormous resource is from Natalie Maclean, an accredited sommelier. Her site, Nat Decants has an excellent wine matcher tool and an extensive list of cheeses to determine from.
When you are looking for the best pairings, remember to choose a wide variety of wines and cheeses. Not everyone likes the same thing so it is best to serve a variety to ensure everyone finds something they like. However, serving a variety does not mean you need 10 different cheeses and wines. Keep it simple, perhaps 5 different ones, depending on how many guests you are absorbing. And don't forget to include dessert wines, they also pair well with a number of cheeses.
Serving Wine and Cheese at the True Temperatures
Temperature is an important element to make determined the wines and cheeses showcase their natural characteristics. White wines should be served chilled and red wines slightly lower than room temperature. Cheeses should not be ice chilly either as their flavors peak at room temperature.
Have Enough Glasses and Plates
One mistake I have seen at some wine parties is the host underestimated the number of glasses, plates, and serving ware needed for the guests. If you are using disposable plates and utensils, have extras as people may throw them away if they try a cheese they did not like.
With glasses, it is up to individual taste and budget, but it is better to serve wines in real glasses (versus disposable) if you can. You do not have to bring out your best Riedel glasses, but buy up some lesser expensive glasses that would not matter if they got broken or lost somewhere. An entirely personal choice, some hosts will have two glasses for each guest so they have one for whites and one for reds.
Besides keeping extra plates and glasses on hand, don't forget to have a way for guests to retain their glasses separate. Whether it be wine charms, non-permanent markers, or stickers of some type, it is very important guests always know which glass (or glasses) belong to them. Otherwise, you might find yourself washing glasses throughout the night as people commence to lose track of them.
Serve Breads and Crackers
Make sure to have lots of different small breads, crackers, fruits, nuts, etc., to serve alongside the cheese and wine. Try not to pick breads or crackers with strong flavors of their bear otherwise you might find the they overpower the cheese or wine, creating an abominable pairing.
Arrange Cheeses Accordingly
Make sure to not clump all the cheeses together as the odors and flavors may start to blend together. Back the cheeses on different plates and spread far enough apart, especially if you have some stronger selections. Each cheese should be labeled so guests know what they are eating and which should be paired with the respective wines.
Have a dump bucket
Not everyone is always going to like every wine they sample so have something labeled where people can dump the wine, rather than feel obligated to finish it.
Ensure you have lots of non-alcoholic beverages available
Make sure you have bottled waters and coffee available. There is nothing worse than a great evening coming to a close and finding out one or more of your guests is intoxicated.
Now, you are ready for your party to begin! No matter what, your guests will undoubtedly have a great time and appreciate the thought you put into the evening. So, raise a glass and toast to your success. Cheers!
