Entertaining 102: How to Host a Wine & Cheese Night at Home
A wine and cheese night is one of the easiest — and most fun — ways to entertain guests. It feels classy, but doesn’t require hours of cooking. With just a few basics, you can create an evening your friends will rave about.
1. Pick 2–3 Wines
You don’t need a huge selection. A mix of one white and one red is perfect.
White: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Red: Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Choose 3–4 Cheeses
Mix textures and flavors:
Soft: Brie or Camembert.
Semi-soft: Gouda.
Hard: Aged cheddar or Parmesan.
Blue: Gorgonzola or Roquefort (optional, but adds variety).
Pro tip: Serve on a [bamboo cheese board set](https://amzn.to/3Ij7g9v) with knives included.
3. Add Easy Sides
Crackers or sliced baguette.
Fresh fruit (grapes, apples, figs).
Nuts (almonds, walnuts).
Something sweet (dark chocolate).
Shortcut: Use [reusable ramekins](https://amzn.to/4gBolIj) to hold fruit, nuts, and chocolate neatly.
4. Keep the Glassware Simple
Stemless glasses work for both red and white.
My pick: [Stemless Wine Glass Set](https://amzn.to/48o8YAY).
5. Set the Mood
Dim lights or use candles.
Add background music (jazz, acoustic, or lo-fi beats).
Try this: [Flameless LED candles](https://amzn.to/46tx76C) — safe and cozy.
Final Thoughts
Hosting doesn’t need to be stressful. With just a few bottles of wine, a small variety of cheeses, and the right setup, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable evening with friends.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Sip Living!
