A delicious spread of cheeses and bite-sized snacks is always a crowd pleaser and hot commodity at parties and events. A cinch to prepare, this tried-and-true appetizer is perfect for when you are running low on time or need to please picky eaters. Here are a few tips for crafting a diverse and scrumptious cheese tray that your guests will devour.

Choosing the Cheese – When deciding what cheeses to incorporate into your tray, try to include a variety of textures and flavors. To create a yummy mixture, add at least one cheese from the following categories, and others like bleu cheese if you know many of your guests are fans.

Soft – Brie, Camembert

Firm – Cheddar, Gouda, Fontina

Hard – Parmigiano-Reggiano

Determining the Amount to Buy – The typical rule of thumb is to purchase 3-4 ounces of cheese per person, but this can vary depending on if there is other food being served.

Picking the Right Extras – A well-rounded cheese tray also includes an assortment of sweet snacks like fruit, jam and honey, and savory snacks like olives, nuts, prosciutto and breadsticks. Don’t forget the crackers!