All You Need to Know About The Art of the Cheese Plate—Plus, 17 Beautiful Items to Get You Started

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If the thought of arranging a perfectly composed cheese plate intimidates you, look no further than Tia Keenan’s new book, The Art of the Cheese Plate ($21; amazon.com). The fromage mastermind behind the cheese program at the popular The Modern restaurant in New York has published a practical guide to creating your own foolproof, delicious, and beautiful pairings.

More than 37 different cheese plates, including 100 cheeses, 111 pairings, and 84 recipes, are included in this “doing” book that offers up clear directions and expert tips for the person who falls on any part of the cheese-loving spectrum, from beginner to connoisseur. Having trouble finding the just-right wine for your cheeses? Be open to unexpected non-wine pairings, like a creamy young goat cheese with a white flowering tea (which, like wine, also contain tannins), a beer-brined washed Le Charmoix with a Belgian Trappist ale, or a grainy Grana Padano Riserva with a bitter and sweet gin Negroni.

Ultimately, there aren't hard-and-fast rules to finding the best combination. “The perfect pairing is the one you like,” Keenan titles one of the introductory sections to her beautiful tome. “Pairing is personal, and don’t let anyone—or any book—tell you otherwise.”

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With that sage advice and an open mind, bookmark Keenan’s book for the perfect hostess gift or cheese lover in your life this holiday season, and scroll through for some of our own picks for creating a gorgeous cheese tableau.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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MUD AUSTRALIA Cheese Platter

$305 available at Barneys New York Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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TINA FREY DESIGNS Long Charcuterie Board

$154 available at Barneys New York Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Regione Cheese Board - Medium

$58 available at Anthropologie Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Slate Cheese Boards

$10 to $30 available at Crate & Barrel Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Two Tone Marble Serving Board

$68 to $198 available at Shop Terrain Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Hanging White Oak Serving Board

$96 available at Food 52 Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Scalloped Marble Serving Board

$108 available at Shop Terrain Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Olive Wood Paddle Cutting Board - Ridged

$59 available at West Elm Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Michael Aram Palm Cheese Board with Knife

$200 available at Neiman Marcus Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Marble & Copper Cheese Knives, Set of 3

$50 available at Williams-Sonoma Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Laguiole Cheese Knife Set

$36 available at Anthropologie Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Gold Cheese Spreaders

$49 available at West Elm Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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ANNA New York by RabLabs Kiva 3-Piece Cheese Set

$265 available at Neiman Marcus Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Cheese Knives, Set of 3

$275 available at Food 52 Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Slate Cheese Markers, Set of 4

$20 available at Williams-Sonoma Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Ceramic Cheese Markers, Set of 4

$25 available at Williams-Sonoma Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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Set of 12 Assorted Cheese Papers

$17 available at Crate & Barrel Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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All You Need to Know About The Art of the Cheese Plate—Plus, 17 Beautiful Items to Get You Started