6 Tips for an Insta-Worthy Cheese Board

It's National Cheese Lovers Day (yes, it exists) so what better reason to indulge in a sampling of dairy goodness? Of course, having a cheese strategy in place is imperative to best showcase your cheese passion. Here are six tips for the ultimate cheese board.

1. Start with the Very Best Cheese.
Since the cheese will be the star of the show, make sure you choose the best for your base. While terrific cheeses can be found from around the country (and the world), Wisconsin cheesemakers claim to win more awards than any other state or country. Most will be labeled with the Proudly Wisconsin badge on the packaging. With more than 600 varieties to choose from, you can't go wrong.

2. Balance Color, Flavor and Texture.
You'll find shades ranging from creamy white to deep orange and some with blue veining and unique rubs on the outside, so choose a colorful assortment. When it comes to flavor and texture, you should choose from several different cheese categories. Think aged cheddars, fresh cheeses, spreadable cheeses, blues and even some fun flavored cheeses.

3. Pick Your Board.
Slate, wood, marble – just pick the board that inspires you and complements your d�cor. A top choice is Crate and Barrel's Sabatier Large Subway Tile Wood Board.

4. Cut and Place Your Selection of Cheeses.
Reach for a variety of award-winning cheeses – we love Roelli's Red Rock Cheddar Cheese, Widmer's Brick Washed Rind, and Carr Valley's Glacier Penta Cr�me Blue cheese. You can also tap into the charcuterie trend: try sausage, salami or try paper-thin slices of prosciutto or bresaola, serrano ham, capicola, mortadella, speck and pat� as cheese accompaniments. Les Trois Petits Cochons offers plenty of options.

5. Accessorize.
Place the cheese on the board first, since it's the star of the show, and arrange from mild to bold in flavor. Then add all of your salty and sweet accompaniments around it. Fill in any charcuterie and garnish with rosemary sprigs and more. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun!

6. Snap a picture.
Share with your followers for instant cheese envy and spike in "likes"!