How does it work?

Planning to throw a wine and cheese shindig yourself? Contrary to popular belief, setting one up is not that tough on your budget with a few tricks up your sleeve. All you need are some guests, a variety of wines, cheeses and crackers, as well as the following tips and pointers to get the party started in no time:

• Decide carefully how many guests to invite. You can't start planning your wine and cheese party without knowing the number of fellow aficionados coming over first. Besides making sure the venue won't be overcrowded, you need to figure out how much cheese, bread and wine to prepare so all guests can have a sip and nibble of the varieties you'll be showcasing at the event. Helpful quick note: A bottle of wine will serve eight people and two ounces of cheese is enough for a single guest.

• Prioritize accessibility. Make sure that your guests can have easy access to all the wines and cheeses you'll be serving during the party. Moreover, provide an individual glass for each guest (imagine how awkward it would be if they all had to share glasses) as well as a jug of water and napkins at one end of the table so they can rinse their glasses between tastings. Don't worry about the cheese. They are supposed to be cut into bite-sized pieces and picked up by hand. Helpful quick note: Let your cheese rest for an hour at room temperature before serving to get its peak flavor.

• Pair wines and cheeses smartly. Before you start putting as much random stuff on the table, there is an exact formula behind choosing what wine and cheese varieties to pair. Wines usually go well with cheese that is from the same country or region, and acidic cheeses usually go well with acidic wines. Cream Cheese and White Zinfandel make a nice pair and Camembert, Cheddar and Brie go well with Cabernet and Champagne. Sounds too expensive for you? Why not use Gourmet Monthly Clubs coupon codes to get your hands on high-end wines and cheeses minus the excessive rates?

• Mix the menu up. Although the wines and cheeses are taking the center stage, you'll also want to provide interesting accompaniments for your guests to make the experience as pleasurable as possible. Make sure you load up on excellent breads, crackers and sugary delights just to balance the palate. Keep in mind to use food and cooking coupons to get your hands on the most sought-after brands without spending a ton.

• Keep the party mood on. It's easy to maintain the level of cheer during your wine and cheese soiree if you have the appropriate background music to keep the groove on. Whether you're partial to jazz or soul, choosing tunes that are light and smooth should be your prime concern. Unsure where to find the latest airwave bestsellers? Why not use online discounts to get access to all the albums you've always wanted for a fraction of the cost?

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