A cheese course or plate may be an appetizer, light main course or may end the meal as the Europeans sometimes do as dessert.  A cheese plate can be the perfect appetizer to start your celebrations. Here are a few rules to make your plate a crowd favorite.

1. A proper plate should include at least three different cheeses, one mild, one medium sharp and one blue, sharp or stinky.

2. Usually a mixture of milk types are recommended and may be accompanied by such things as fresh fruit, pickled vegetables, olives, bread or crackers.

3. Plates may be sized to individual portions or served on a large board or platter.

4. Allow at least an ounce per person of each cheese as an appetizer or dessert and up to three ounces per person as a main course.