How to Host a Festive Wine and Cheese Holiday Party

How to Host a Festive Wine and Cheese Holiday Party

Whether you’re new to entertaining or a seasoned host, a wine and cheese night during the holiday season can be fun, informal, and easy to put together, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your guests!  It’s the best way to keep dishes from piling up in the sink, and the perfect opportunity to try some fun wine pairings, taste different cheeses, and get creative with flavors. 

With just a few ingredients, you can create a sophisticated spread that feels festive and special.  Here’s what you’ll need to set up an unforgettable wine and cheese holiday party!

1. Select Your Cheeses

The cheeses are the stars of your spread! Aim for a variety of flavors and textures to keep things interesting. Here are some popular choices:

  • Soft Cheese: Brie or Camembert. These creamy cheeses are rich and mild, perfect for pairing with white wine and for spreading on crackers or bread.
  • Hard Cheese: Aged Cheddar or Parmesan. These cheeses are bold and flavorful and pair well with red wines.
  • Blue Cheese: Gorgonzola or Roquefort. The tangy, pungent flavor of blue cheese is balanced beautifully with a sweet or sparkling wine.  They add a unique flavor to your spread.
  • Goat Cheese: This cheese has a unique earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Choose Your Wines

Pairing wine with cheese can be simple and fun. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Red Wine: Try a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. These work well with hard cheeses and richer flavors.
  • White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements soft cheeses nicely.  White wines are refreshing and won’t overpower lighter flavors.
  • Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Prosecco adds a touch of festivity and pairs well with almost any cheese!  The bubbles are refreshing and great for cleansing the palate.

Having a few different wines allows your guests to experiment with flavors. Encourage everyone to mix and match to find their favorite pairing!

3. Add Some Extras

To complete your spread, add a few extras that pair well with wine and cheese. Here are some tasty additions:

  • Crackers and Bread: Serve a variety of crackers and baguette slices for different textures.
  • Fresh and Dried Fruits: Fresh grapes, apple slices, or dried apricots add a sweet contrast to the cheeses.
  • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are delicious and add a nice crunch.
  • Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, or smoked ham can elevate your spread with salty, savory flavors.
  • Honey or Jam: A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of fig jam adds a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with sharp or creamy cheeses.

These extras create a beautiful spread that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

4. Set the Mood

Create a cozy, festive atmosphere with just a few small touches:

  • Lighting: Keep the lights low and add some candles for a warm, ambient glow. Fairy lights or a few holiday candles add a touch of magic.
  • Decor: Add a few holiday touches, like a small wreath, garland, or a vase of winter greenery. You don’t need much – just a few festive accents to bring in the holiday spirit.
  • Background Music: Soft, instrumental music or classic holiday tunes create a relaxed vibe. Just keep the volume low enough for easy conversation.
  • Cozy Seating: Make sure there’s plenty of comfortable seating around your table. Arrange chairs and cushions to create a cozy, intimate setting.

Here are a couple of simple recipes to add a festive touch to your spread.

Holiday Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites are delicious, easy to make, and look beautiful on your table!

  • Ingredients:
    1. 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
    2. 1 wheel of brie cheese, cut into small cubes
    3. 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
    4. Fresh rosemary for garnish
  • Servings: 12
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares and press each square into a mini muffin tin.
    3. Place a cube of brie cheese into each puff pastry square.
    4. Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
    5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted.
    6. Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary for a festive look. Serve warm!

These bites are perfect for pairing with a crisp white wine or sparkling wine.

Spiced Holiday Mulled Wine

For a warm, cozy drink that screams “holiday,” try this easy mulled wine recipe.

  • Ingredients:
    1. 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
    2. 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
    3. 1/4 cup honey or sugar
    4. 1 orange, sliced
    5. 1 cinnamon stick
    6. 4-5 whole cloves
    7. 1-2 star anise pods
  • Servings: 4-6
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Instructions:
    1. Pour the red wine into a large pot over medium-low heat.
    2. Add the brandy (if using), honey or sugar, orange slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
    3. Stir gently and let the mixture heat for 20 minutes, but don’t let it boil.
    4. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
    5. Serve warm in mugs with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

This cozy drink is perfect for sipping with hard cheeses like aged cheddar.


Now it’s time to start planning your festive wine and cheese night! Shop Now to buy all the essential items to elevate your holiday gathering.

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