Housewarming Open House Spread (Printer View)

An elegant assortment of cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and fresh garnishes for effortless entertaining.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 9 oz sharp Cheddar, cut into blocks
02 - 9 oz creamy Brie, cut into wedges
03 - 7 oz Manchego, sliced
04 - 7 oz blue cheese, crumbled or in blocks
05 - 7 oz smoked Gouda, cubed

→ Crackers & Breads

06 - 12 oz assorted crackers
07 - 1 baguette, sliced thinly
08 - 5 oz breadsticks

→ Fresh & Dried Fruit

09 - 1 cup red grapes, washed and separated into small clusters
10 - 1 cup green grapes, washed and separated
11 - 2 apples, sliced and tossed with lemon juice
12 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
13 - 1/2 cup dried figs

→ Nuts & Condiments

14 - 1 cup roasted almonds
15 - 1 cup walnuts
16 - 1/2 cup honey
17 - 1/2 cup fig or apricot jam
18 - 1/3 cup whole grain mustard

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

19 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
20 - 1 cup baby carrots
21 - Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs

# Method:

01 - Place all cheese blocks and wedges evenly on a large serving board, ensuring good spacing for access.
02 - Fill spaces between cheeses with assorted crackers and thinly sliced baguette.
03 - Nestle clusters of grapes, apple slices, and dried apricots and figs around the cheeses and crackers.
04 - Add small bowls or piles of roasted almonds, walnuts, honey, fig or apricot jam, and whole grain mustard.
05 - Fill gaps with cherry tomatoes and baby carrots to enhance color and freshness.
06 - Decorate with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for aroma and visual appeal.
07 - Offer cheese knives, spreaders, toothpicks, or cocktail forks for guests to serve themselves.
08 - Replenish cheeses, crackers, fruits, and condiments as needed throughout the event.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get to play host without spending hours in the kitchen—everything is already delicious before guests arrive
  • There's something genuinely magical about watching people discover new flavor combinations on their own, pairing a creamy Brie with fig jam and a walnut
  • It works for any crowd: vegetarians, meat-lovers, adventurous eaters, and picky guests all find something that speaks to them
  • You can make it look absolutely stunning with minimal effort, which means more time actually enjoying your guests instead of stress-cooking in the kitchen
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than people realize. Take your cheeses out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before guests arrive—they'll taste richer and their textures will be more forgiving. Cold cheese is fine, but room-temperature cheese is unforgettable.
  • Lemon juice on apples prevents browning, but it also adds brightness that actually improves the flavor when they sit next to cheese. This isn't just a practical tip; it's a flavor enhancement.
03 -
  • Arrange everything on a large wooden board or platter the morning of your party, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Bring it out 30 minutes before guests arrive. Everything stays fresh, and you've already done the hardest part.
  • Put the honey and jam in small bowls instead of keeping them in jars—people are more likely to try them, and it looks intentional rather than like you just raided your pantry
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