Follow these tips to craft the perfect Christmas cheeseboard for a crowd, mixing flavours and textures to create a multi-sensory experience.

Christmas isn’t complete without a gathering around the cheeseboard, and the perfect board will include a range of textures and tastes to suit every palate.

A great cheese board isn’t just about the cheese, but providing a good mixture of accompaniments to cater to all of your guests’ tastes and create a range of attractive flavour combinations.

Use a large wooden or slate board to arrange your goodies, and ensure your cheeses have rested outside of the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving up.

Choose Your Breads, Meats and Accompaniments

Really want to impress? Put your loaf tin to good use and bake your own fresh bread to serve up with your cheeses. This cracked black pepper and figgy bread is ideal for cheeses. Also include breadsticks and a range of crackers for your guests. Include a range of charcuterie meats, including salami, thin speck ham, mortadella, and even leftover meat from your Christmas dinner.

For your accompaniments, choose an assortment which represents the full spectrum of flavours to suit your cheeses.

Fresh flavours - Fresh fruit such as halved figs, apple slices, pear slices and grapes

Sweet flavours - Choose a sweet condiment such as honey or quince jelly. Feature dried fruits such as apricots and dates for hits of sweetness

Salty and tangy flavours - Include cornichons, marinated artichoke hearts, and a rich olive tapenade