The holiday season is all about warmth, togetherness, and indulgence and few things capture that spirit better than a Christmas cheese platter. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering, a lively holiday party, or simply want to treat yourself with a festive snack board, a cheese platter is the perfect centerpiece. It’s versatile, customizable, and surprisingly easy to put together.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best cheeses to include, creative platter ideas, drink pairings, and step-by-step tips for building an arrangement that feels as magical as Christmas itself.
- How to Serve Cheese Like a Professional Caterer
- How to Make a Cheese Board: Easy, Stunning, and Crowd-Pleasing
- How to Choose the Perfect Cheese Gift Box for Every Occasion
Why a Christmas Cheese Platter Is Perfect for the Holidays
Cheese platters aren’t just delicious, they’re practical, elegant, and beloved by all kinds of guests. Here’s why they’re such a hit during the holidays:
A Simple Yet Elegant Holiday Centerpiece
A Christmas cheese platter looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen. Arrange colorful cheeses, fruits, herbs, and crackers on a rustic wooden board, and you’ve instantly got a display that feels festive and indulgent.
Crowd-Pleasing for Family Gatherings, Parties, and Events
From picky kids to gourmet-loving adults, cheese boards offer something for everyone. You can mix soft, creamy cheeses with bold, adventurous flavors, ensuring no guest leaves unsatisfied.
Pairs Beautifully with Wine, Cider, and Hot Drinks
Cheese is the ultimate partner to beverages. A creamy brie with sparkling wine, sharp cheddar with mulled cider, or blue cheese with sweet dessert wine, it’s these small pairings that make holiday gatherings feel special.
Best Cheeses for a Christmas Cheese Platter
The foundation of your platter is, of course, the cheese. Aim for variety in texture, flavor, and appearance.
Soft Cheeses: Creamy and Crowd-Friendly
- Brie – Mild, buttery, and pairs perfectly with cranberry sauce or fig jam.
- Camembert – Similar to brie but with a slightly earthier profile.
- Goat Cheese Logs – Roll them in crushed pistachios, cranberries, or herbs for a festive touch.
Semi-Hard Cheeses: Flavorful and Versatile
- Cheddar – Sharp or aged cheddar adds a tangy bite and balances sweeter items.
- Gouda – Smooth, nutty, and available in seasonal varieties like smoked or spiced.
- Gruyère – Slightly salty and perfect with nuts or rustic breads.
Bold Options: For Adventurous Guests
- Blue Cheese – Creamy, tangy, and ideal with honey, pears, or candied walnuts.
- Smoked Cheese – Adds depth and a cozy, wintery flavor to your platter.
Sweet Pairings: Seasonal Twists
- Cranberry Wensleydale or Stilton – Festive cheeses that blend fruity sweetness with creamy texture.
- Fruit-Studded Cheeses – Apricot, fig, or date-infused cheeses add color and holiday charm.
Pro tip: Offer at least 4–6 types of cheese, balancing mild, medium, and strong flavors so every guest finds something they love.
Christmas Cheese Platter Ideas
Ready to get creative? Here are some festive arrangement styles to inspire you.
Classic Cheese Board with Seasonal Fruits & Nuts
Arrange cheeses alongside fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, grapes, and toasted almonds. Add rosemary sprigs for greenery and serve with artisan crackers.
Mini Platters for Individual Servings
Perfect for parties where guests prefer personal portions. Use small boards or plates with a curated selection: one soft cheese, one semi-hard cheese, a few crackers, and a seasonal garnish like cranberries.
Themed Platters with Jams and Truffles
Take your platter up a notch with sweet pairings. Add chocolate truffles, spiced jams, or candied orange peels. This creates a dessert-meets-cheese board that feels indulgent and festive.
Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
One of the most fun and undeniably Instagram-worthy holiday arrangements is the Christmas tree cheese platter. It’s playful, festive, and surprisingly easy to put together, making it a showstopper at any holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, running a café with seasonal specials, or preparing snacks for a kids’ party, this platter doubles as both décor and food.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
- Choose the base: A long wooden board or rectangular platter works best. It provides enough space for a tall “tree” shape without looking crowded.
- Form the tree shape with cheese cubes: Start from the bottom and layer cubes of cheese in triangular rows. Use a mix of textures and colors—sharp cheddar for bold orange, gouda for golden tones, mozzarella or brie cubes for creamy white. The alternating colors give your “tree” a lively, festive look.
- Add greenery with rosemary sprigs: Tuck sprigs of rosemary between the rows of cheese to mimic evergreen branches. Not only does it look authentic, but it also adds a subtle aroma that enhances the holiday vibe
- Decorate with edible ornaments: Use cranberries, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, or olives as ornaments. Scatter them evenly across the platter for pops of color.
- Top it with a star: Place a star-shaped cracker, a slice of cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, or even a festive cookie at the very top to complete the tree look.
- Fill in the base: Add a few nuts, grapes, or pretzels at the bottom to act as the “tree trunk” and provide extra snacking options.
Extra Decoration Ideas
- Festive crackers and breadsticks placed on the side make dipping and pairing easier.
- Holiday accents like sprigs of thyme or edible glitter cheese cubes can elevate the presentation.
- For a playful twist, add mini chocolate truffles or dried fruit among the cheese for a sweet-and-savory mix.
Where to Use It
- Kids’ holiday parties: Fun shapes and bright colors make it exciting for children to snack on.
- Café holiday displays: A Christmas tree platter in the display case or on the counter instantly grabs attention and gets customers in the festive spirit.
- Family gatherings: It makes a beautiful edible centerpiece, encouraging guests to gather around and share.
Pro tip: Pair your Christmas tree cheese platter with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or festive lattes served in seasonal paper cups. Not only does it create a cozy pairing, but it also reduces cleanup, perfect for busy gatherings.
How to Arrange a Christmas Cheese Platter
The arrangement is as important as the selection. Here’s how to make it visually stunning and functional.
Layering Cheeses for Color and Texture
Mix cubes, wedges, and slices to create variety. Place creamy cheeses next to firm ones for contrast.
Balancing Savory, Sweet, and Crunchy Sides
Pair cheeses with sides like:
- Crackers, breads, and breadsticks.
- Fresh and dried fruits (apples, pears, apricots).
- Nuts and olives for crunch.
- Holiday extras like cranberry relish or honey.
Tips for Keeping Cheese Fresh Throughout the Party
- Serve cheeses at room temperature, but don’t leave them out longer than 2–3 hours.
- Cover with beeswax wrap until serving to prevent drying.
- Pre-slice harder cheeses to avoid crowding around the board.
Pairing Drinks with a Christmas Cheese Platter
The right beverage makes the cheese shine.
Wine Pairings
- Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with sharp cheddar or gouda.
- White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese; Chardonnay with brie.
- Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Prosecco with soft cheeses for a festive sparkle.
Holiday Drinks
- Cider: Hot spiced cider pairs beautifully with smoked cheese.
- Mulled Wine: Complements bold cheeses like blue or gruyère.
- Eggnog: Surprisingly good with mild, creamy cheeses.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
- Coffee and Tea: Great for afternoon holiday gatherings.
- Hot Chocolate: A hit with kids and perfect with sweet cheeses or truffles. Serve warm drinks in festive paper cups for convenience and sustainability.
Seasonal Themes for Christmas Cheese Platters
A Christmas cheese platter isn’t just about taste, it’s about presentation that captures the magic of the season. By choosing the right colors, flavors, and serving style, you can turn a simple cheese board into a festive centerpiece that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Red & Green Holiday Platter
Embrace the classic Christmas palette with a mix of bold red and fresh green. Pair cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or cherry tomatoes with herbs like rosemary or thyme for vibrant pops of color. Add red cheddar or gouda alongside green grapes or kiwi slices for balance. This theme feels joyful and traditional, perfect for family gatherings.
Winter Wonderland Theme
For an elegant and frosty look, keep everything in shades of white and pale gold. Use cheeses like brie, mozzarella, camembert, or manchego, complemented by white chocolate pieces, blanched almonds, and coconut flakes. Fresh pear slices or sugared cranberries can add sparkle, while a dusting of powdered sugar over the board creates a snowy effect. This platter works beautifully for formal dinners or chic holiday parties.
Rustic Christmas Vibe
Go cozy and farmhouse-style with a wooden serving board, aged cheddar, smoked gouda, and blue cheese. Pair with walnuts, pecans, dried figs, and rustic bread slices. A drizzle of honey and sprigs of evergreen bring warmth and a nostalgic charm. This theme is perfect for fireside evenings and intimate holiday get-togethers.
Mini Cheese Boxes for Gifting
Spread holiday cheer with thoughtful, ready-to-gift cheese assortments. Use eco-friendly paper boxes or festive gift bags to pack small selections of cheese, crackers, nuts, and dried fruit. These make wonderful corporate gifts, neighborly presents, or party favors. You can even customize them with handwritten tags or ribbons for a personal touch.
Conclusion – Make Your Holidays Special with a Christmas Cheese Platter
A Christmas cheese platter isn’t just food, it’s an experience. With the right mix of cheeses, seasonal fruits, nuts, and creative arrangements, you can build a centerpiece that feels festive, welcoming, and memorable. From a Christmas tree-shaped platter for kids’ parties to elegant pairings with wine and truffles, there are endless ways to make your cheese board shine this holiday season.
The key is to balance flavors, textures, and holiday décor to tell a story on your board. Whether you’re hosting a large party or gifting mini platters, your guests will remember the care and creativity behind your spread.
This year, let your cheese platter do more than feed guests, let it bring people together, spark conversations, and add magic to the holiday table.
