The perfect cheese plate

5 super easy steps to a successful cheeseboard, charcuterie platter, happy hour snack, grazing board, snacky dinner or whatever you like to call it.

It's the no-cook meal I pick for baby showers, holiday afternoons, date night, beach days, my own birthday and any day in between. Cheese & crackers can feels special easily - here are five easy suggestions to inspire you.

A variety of cheese

Try something you love and something new. Something sharp and something mild. Something softer and something aged and crumbly. No need to buy all the cheeses - two cheeses, something sweet and a cracker makes a perfectly delightful snack.

Color scheme

If I have a choice I like to stick with one color for my produce and even for the cheese. In March - blanched asparagus, fresh herbs on goat cheese, green grapes and granny smith apples. June - fresh blackberries, purple radishes, Syrah soaked cheese and deep red grapes. November - dried tangerines, sharp cheddar, and mini sweet peppers. I don't need everything to be color coordinated, but just a few things ties the board together and brings me a ridiculous amount of joy.

Add something sweet

I adore a contrasting bite - a crisp slice of apple or a berry just make a sharp cheddar so much more interesting. Brie loves a local jam or some fig preserves. Goat cheese is amazing with honey and thyme. Fresh burrata with a drizzle of reduced balsamic.

Crackers, bread and other supporting characters

Hanging with the kids -- try a stack of butter crackers and some goldfish crackers

Craving comfort -- a baguette and some genoa salami

Gluten free -- sesame rice crackers and bell peppers

Looking for adventure -- Rosemary raisin crisps and Mike's hot honey

Vegan -- Triscuits and hummus

So many fun options are out there - It's a pleasure to surprise someone with a thoughtful addition that is customized to their dietary needs or desires. I try to find something to make the board enjoyable for everyone.

Incorporate some garnish

Fresh herbs, edible flowers, chocolate, nuts -- Adding a finishing touch to the little gaps in the board - - pick one or two for an easy way to add a ton of flavor and interest. My current favorites -- Rosemary is a classic herb choice, marcona almonds are buttery and delicious, and dark chocolate is an unexpected delight.

Bonus sixth step

Get inspired and don't stress. Feel free to peek at your neighbors homework. Seriously -- it's snacks -- no one is grading you or concerned about plagiarism at cocktail hour. Follow a few of my favorites on Instagram or browse the ideas from my cookbook shelf and copy their boards with as much or as little of your own creative input as you like!

Cheers -- to a tasty bite and a new favorite happy hour experience.