Styling a cheese tower is a delightful way to create a centerpiece that doubles as a delicious appetizer or dessert option at weddings or special events. Here’s how to style the perfect cheese tower:
1. Selecting Cheeses:
- Variety: Choose a variety of cheeses with different flavors, textures, and colors. Include options like aged cheddar, creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and nutty Gouda.
- Shapes and Sizes: Opt for cheeses in various shapes (rounds, wedges, logs) to create visual interest. Consider mixing soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses for a balanced selection.
2. Building the Tower:
- Base Cheese: Start with a large, sturdy cheese at the bottom as the base. This could be a wheel of cheese like a large brie or a round of cheddar.
- Layering: Place the cheeses in ascending order of size and height, stacking smaller cheeses on top. Use cheese boards, cake stands, or tiers to create levels if needed.
- Spacing: Leave enough space between cheeses for guests to easily cut and serve without toppling the tower.
3. Decorating and Garnishing:
- Fresh Fruits: Arrange fresh fruits like grapes, berries, figs, or slices of apple and pear around the base or between layers for color and freshness.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Add bowls of nuts (like almonds or walnuts) and dried fruits (such as apricots or cranberries) around the tower for texture and flavor contrast.
- Herbs and Edible Flowers: Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs for a rustic touch. Edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies can add a pop of color.
4. Accompaniments:
- Crackers and Bread: Provide a variety of crackers, breadsticks, and slices of baguette or artisan bread to pair with the cheeses.
- Condiments: Offer a selection of condiments such as honey, fig jam, chutneys, or mustard for guests to enjoy with their cheese.
5. Presentation:
- Elevated Display: Place the cheese tower on a sturdy, decorative platter or wooden board that complements the style of the event.
- Signage: Consider labeling each cheese to inform guests about the type and origin. Use small chalkboards or elegant place cards for a polished look.
6. Practical Considerations:
- Temperature: Ensure the cheeses are served at the appropriate temperature. Soft cheeses like brie should be at room temperature, while hard cheeses can be slightly chilled.
- Serveware: Provide cheese knives or spreaders suitable for each type of cheese to make it easy for guests to serve themselves.
7. Personalization:
- Theme: Tailor the selection of cheeses and decorations to match the theme or season of the event. For example, include local cheeses or seasonal fruits.
- Guest Preferences: Consider dietary preferences and allergies when choosing cheeses and accompaniments to ensure everyone can enjoy the cheese tower.
By following these steps, you can create a stunning and delicious cheese tower that not only serves as a focal point but also delights guests with a variety of flavors and textures to complement any special occasion.