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Wine and Cheese Party Ideas

Welcome friends to NatashaInOz.com I am so glad you have visited today as I am so excited to be sharing some of my favourite ideas for hosting a wine & cheese party! Since the days are getting shorter here in Australia I have been thinking of Winter entertaining.

Wine and Cheese Party

I really like the idea of hosting an informal gathering rather than an overly ambitious dinner party. I think a wine and cheese tasting party might be the way to go.




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I have found some excellent sites and advice about how to host a wine and cheese party so I having been thinking about hosting too. I think it could be fun trying to figure out what kinds of wine I like and dislike first hand, rather than relying only on other people's thoughts and opinions.

Wine and Cheese Party

One of the best sites that I found while researching wine and cheese tasting parties was Pottery Barn. They have so many brilliant ideas and suggestions on how to host a great wine and cheese tasting party. The site includes a party plan with downloadable invite templates, a link to playlists on iTunes, planning guides, and links to other sites that go along with each theme (drink websites for cocktail parties, chef's websites for dinner parties, etc).




Wine and Cheese Party




Check it out here. 

all images Pottery Barn

Wine and Cheese Party

The videos where experts offer suggestions on how to choose the right wine and food for a party are so helpful.




Mr Attorney doesn't drink wine and a few of our friends don't drink either so I thought I could serve grape juice and non alcoholic punch. I also thought that I might set up little cheese and beverage stations in several places of the house.

Wine and Cheese Party

Small tables can accommodate a tray of cheeses, their matched-wines and accompaniments and some serving ware. This way our guests can mingle and meet new folks as they go along.


To Host a Wine and Cheese Party

I also found some great advice from the following sites:

Wine Intro has a great Wine and Cheese Pairing Chart full of excellent suggestions on which type of wine to serve with a huge variety of cheeses.

Wine and Cheese Party

Real Simple have a great guide on preparing for and hosting and wine tasting party.


I love their idea of making invitation-coasters with a map of the featured wine region. They suggest downloading and print out a map from National Geographic's MapMachine, at nationalgeographic.com/maps. Trim, then use a spray adhesive to glue it to a piece of four-inch square card stock. Brilliant!


They also have some great suggestions for food including:


Breadsticks
A charcuterie platter
Cheese straws
Dried fruit
Mixed olives
Pistachios
Chocolate that contains at least 60 percent cacao, which makes the chocolate richer.

Wine and Cheese Party
Brisbane Times

 Tablespoon shares this great idea on using a chalkboard mat to label the wines and cheese
Wine and Cheese Party

Redbook shared some great tips on wine and food pairings. They suggest that:
  1. Sparkling wines go with mild, buttery triple-cream cheeses.
  2. Simple, young wines (sauvignon blanc, Sancerre) go with soft, young cheeses (goat cheese).
  3. Chardonnays and full cabernets go well with semisoft cheeses (Brie, Camembert).
  4. Medium-bodied reds (pinot noir, Côtes du Rhone) go with hard, stronger-flavored cheeses (Parmesan, Gruyère, aged cheddar).
  5. Sweet/dessert wines go with pungent blue cheeses. 

Beau Coup offered some great advice on preparing for a wine and cheese party and they even explore Wine and Cheese Party Etiquette.

Image via Beau Coup 

Rachel Ray offers suggestions on how to host a wine and cheese party for six for $10 per person! I am particularly impressed by her suggestion of using a chardonnay from outside the U.S.!!! She suggests Banrock Station Chardonnay 2006 (Australia, US$5) and Alice White Shiraz 2006 (Australia, $7)

Banrock Station Colombard Chardonnay 2007/2009 6 x 75cl

I have also found some wonderful inspiration via Pinterest, of course! Look at these great ideas:

Wine and Cheese Party
Source: thatssoyummy.com  

I wonder, have you ever hosted a wine and cheese party? Have you got any tips or suggestions for me on how to host one? If you have anything you can share with me I would so love to hear from you! 


Well, I'd better get organised...looks like I'm hosting a party soon!

Best wishes,

Natasha In Oz 


Please join me at PINTEREST, TWITTER, GOOGLE+
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47 comments:

  1. KiraAJMay 23, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    luv this post darl! we have had some informal wine n cheese parties back in the states generally a few weeks after a visit to amish country where we buy up big on all sorts of different fabulous cheeses! and we do fudge as well the cream cheese style fudges go well at a wine n cheese tasting! its a great way for friends and family to try new things they generally wouldnt try :) love the photos uve choose to share :) yum makes me hungry!

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  2. SarahMay 23, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Natasha, a wine and cheese tasting sounds like a delightful idea. I've never hosted a wine and cheese party, so we frequently serve a variety of cheese when we entertain. Looks like you've got a wealth of inspiration from all these photos. I look forward to seeing photos of your party. ~ Sarah

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  3. Christmas-etc...May 23, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Oh... this looks like so much fun! Such beautiful images. There is just something so golden about wine and cheese - earth tones and warm.
    have a lovely party!
    Ann

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  4. SophieMay 23, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    oooh I'm loving this and my two girls are oohing and ahhhing over my shoulder. We love the idea of using NatGeo for the map invitations/coasters but couldn't figure how to print the maps off!

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  5. MaggieMay 23, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    Hi Natasha,
    Fabulous post full of stunning images and fab ideas.
    I haven't hosted a cheese & wine party since I don't know when, but I want to do it again now that I've read your post!
    Maggie

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  6. AnonymousMay 23, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Hi Natasha
    I have been trying to think of something to do for a little get together myself, and this is an absolutely perfect idea! I particularly love the chalkboard suggesting which wines to have with which cheeses. Golden! Also, thanks for following my new blog :)

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  7. Teacup MomentsMay 23, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    natasha, this is a lovely post! thanks for putting it together. i love the chalkboard mat with labels. and i agree, these are some fabulous spreads.

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  8. SouthhamsdarlingMay 23, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Wow Natasha! What a super post for us today. It must have taken you quite some time to put it all together, so thank you for that. Amazing photos and this cheese & wine idea does sound like terrific fun. Much more so than a boring old dinner party!!! I'm sure that if you are hosting it, it will be brilliant, because you will put so much detail into everything. Hugs.

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  9. Johanna GehrleinMay 23, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Hello Natasha,
    oh, that looks all so tempting and I love a bit wine with cheese and other nice things. The idea with the calkboard is outstanding. One can make that easy by himself with a board and special chalkboard color.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  10. LynnMay 23, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    All beautiful photos Natasha! I agree with Johanna, the chalkboard idea is really neat. A W&C party sounds like a lot of fun:@)

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  11. UnknownMay 23, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    This was wonderful as Linda & I love wine and cheese and try to have some of both every day. Thanks for so many great ideas.

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  12. Tom HakkinenMay 23, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    I had no idea that wine and cheeses parties were so complicated. I do agree though, winter is a good time for a wine and cheese party.

    Although, do you really get winter up in sunny Queensland?

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  13. Auntie sezzzzzz...May 23, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    Very comprehensive post. Anyone wanting to do this kind of a party, has a wonderful guide. :-)

    Love it.... We are welcoming late spring, and early summer up here. And you are snuggling in for winter, down your way. :-) What a marvelous planet we live on.

    ~♥~

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  14. Sunny Simple LifeMay 24, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    How fun. I have been reading some of your other posts and I just love that Kennedy home. It also reminds me of Ralph Lauren. Love the red white and blue.

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  15. ChellaMay 24, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    I love cheese! Nice site! =)

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  16. NicoleMay 24, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    Oh wow, that sounds like such a neat and fun idea!

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  17. Blondie's JournalMay 24, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    I think a wine and cheese party is just the thing for bringing friends together without a lot of fuss. Thank you for all the great information and tips, your post itself is a wonderful guide!

    XO,
    Jane

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  18. BeverlyMay 24, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    I'm hooked. When is the party? I want to attend.

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  19. Carole Poirot May 24, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    Red wine, really strong and smelly French cheese, fresh baguette and the 70% Cocoa Organic Chocolate from Green&Black...Heaven. Keep it simple, informal and with some jazz music in the background would be my advice - not that I think you actually need any help :-) Love from London & Bon Apetit xo

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  20. Completely CoastalMay 24, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    What a wonderful post! I love cheese along with a glass of wine, year round -in the winter with red, come summer (soon), I take delight in white. Adding fruit too!

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  21. Tammy@Beatrice BanksMay 24, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Beautiful photos! Since I'm a non-drinker, your idea sounds wonderful to me! Love, love cheese.

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  22. JoMay 24, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Great photos with fabulous ideas. I've hosted several wine and cheese parties and wine dinners. In a few weeks we are going to one of my favorite vineyards for their spring fling. We always have a great spread of goodies in our group. Everyone has a different taste so you really can't go wrong with your pairings.
    Have a great time!
    Jo

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  23. chow and chatterMay 24, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    great post Natasha and an easier way than cooking a big meal

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  24. Jeanne HenriquesMay 24, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    The definitive word on wine and cheese parties Natasha, I love it! Great post..you have provided a wealth of knowledge which has inspired me to no end :)
    Thank you!!
    Jeanne xx

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  25. (eddas) May 24, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    I love cheese and wine:)
    hugs

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  26. LindyLouMacMay 25, 2011 at 2:43 AM

    Tips, you do not need any Natasha, you are so well organised. :)

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  27. DonnaMay 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Natasha..why do you have to live in Australia? I wish you were my neighbor. :o) What a great idea!

    My husband and I had a mini 'wine and cheese party' at a local tiny little restaurant and that's their specialty. The cheeses were superb! And we had live music. I never knew how wonderful it could be to try so many new cheeses and wines.

    Lovely!
    Donna

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  28. JennyMay 25, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Fabulous ideas! Chalkboard contact paper? Who knew there even was such a thing. I love that!!

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  29. BonnieMay 25, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Great post. I am going to bookmark this to refer to later when I can have a tasting party. So many great ideas. Thank you.

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  30. Julie HarwardMay 25, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Hi there..lots of real good ideas here for any party! I don't drink wine but I am crazy about all kinds of cheese. You know, the seasons are getting so crazy, you are thinking of colder weather and we are still in it! No Spring here...yet! ;D

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  31. Yvonne - Frl. KleinMay 25, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    What a great idea - Wine and cheese Party! It sounds so delicious!
    Hugs,
    Yvonne

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  32. SookMay 26, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    First time here! Your photos are just amazing! Love your blog.

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  33. Bring Pretty BackMay 26, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    This post must have taken you forever to put tohether! Thank you. That chalkboard on the table is brilliant! Simple - and brilliant! I am going to do that!
    GREAT POST! I know nothing at all about wine- Boonsfarm and Arbour Mist are my wines of choice, mainly because I don't know what to even buy! And the cheese - a few blocks of kraft - cut up with some Ritz crackers. Girl... I need help! Heehee!
    Have a pretty day!
    Kristin
    Have a pretty day!

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  34. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Looks like you've got everything you need!


    Thanks for sharing!

    Linda

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  35. butiksofieMay 26, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    everything looks soooo delicious and yummy!!Love your selection of pics, hughs Anja

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  36. The Fajdich TimesMay 27, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    Loved your post. It was fabulous! Lots of great ideas! My niece will be spending the summer in Australia for college credit. I am really looking forward to the pictures she will be taking!! Enjoy your weekend:)

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  37. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEMay 27, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    I had no idea they had so many items and ideas for a wine party. Love that chaulk table!

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  38. OliveMay 27, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Wine and cheese...what could go wrong? All those images were just stunning just think how simple and fun it will be.

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  39. AnonymousMay 27, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Hi Natasha,
    What a FABULOUS posting! You put some time into this posting to share so much great information with all of us and we are very grateful! So much information and great photos, too. I cannot wait to go to Pottery Barn and the other sites to learn how to give a great cheese and wine tasting party! I have never had one before...looks like fun. I love some of the little decor details right down to putting the corks in the little glass with a tealight on top. Great idea! Thank you so much for doing all the homework for us on learning how to give a fun and creative wine and cheese tasting. We are still waiting for warm weather here in the Seattle area. Our weather is still in the high 50's/low 60's but we are beginning to get some better weather. Can't wait for nice, sunny, warm summer days here! Love your blog, Natasha! xoxo Kim

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  40. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorMay 27, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Hi, Natasha, I'm so glad I found your blog yesterday. I live near the Fingerlakes region and there are so many vineyards and wine tasting places around here... I love hosting wine and cheese parties and I love Pottery Barn... that place is a design inspiration. Each time I'm at the mall I can't resist not stopping there.I love love love all your ideas and they are soooo inspiring...thanks for sharing them with us.Thank you for following me back and for your sweet comment. Have a lovely weekend!~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  41. AnonymousMay 29, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Looks divine - wish we could be there!

    Happy Winter - have a cup of hot cocoa by the fire for me (I'll have a cold margarita by the beach for you!)

    Best Wishes,

    Linda :o)

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  42. bjAugust 21, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    I've been to several wine and cheese parties and enjoyed them more than a sit-down dinner. So much more relaxed and fun.
    Thanks for all your great tips here.
    xo bj

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  43. Donna TagliaferriSeptember 1, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    I hope that people who don't drink wine shy away from this....I don't drink, but I can use every idea on this post. You presented it beautifully and made me want to have a happy hour filled with food and things that I love!!
    Thank you!!

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  44. Donna TagliaferriSeptember 1, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    I must correct my post!! I meant to say I hope people who don't drink DON'T shy away from this..I need to proofread!!
    Thank you!!

    September 1, 2011 5:58 AM

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  45. Betsy PoolDecember 3, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    OOo - this is an awesome post! I'm pinning it so I can go back to it for our next Wine Tasting party!!

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  46. cheesewithwineApril 8, 2012 at 5:30 AM

    Wonderful site and insights to hosting friends and family with wine and cheese. Our site is right along the lines of your thoughts in that with wine and cheese preparation and presentation sets the mark!
    www.cheeseboardco.com

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  47. MaryZJanuary 21, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    Loved all your ideas and links! I've never been to a wine and cheese party, but for some reason I have decided to have one to welcome home (from Sydney), my daughter and her Australian boyfriend. Your info will definitely help me to put on a fabulous event :)

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