Elevate cheeseboards to centerpiece status with graphic patterns, linen napkins and slate pieces. Here, Kirsten Jenkins and Phoebe Wood share their hot tips.

In the world of entertaining, the cheeseboard is a meeting point for guests at a party. It’s the conversation starter and, from an entertainer’s perspective, it is an easy way to bring a beautiful visual quality to your party without needing to go to too much effort. Our cheeseboard rules are simple: choose a few cheeses that complement each other in texture (a mix of hard, semi-hard and soft cheeses), colour (we love the vibrancy of ash- and-charcoal-coated chevre) and flavour (don’t shy away from a strong blue or sharp cheddar), and finally, show-stopping cheeseboards need a centrepiece, and baked cheeses provide an oozy decadence that will have your guests dipping in for fourths and fifths.

Condiments and crackers – no, we don’t mean cabanossi and Jatz! – enhance the aesthetics and can easily be prepared a few days ahead. Homemade dukkah takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and adds spice and crunch to soft creamier cheeses. Lavosh and jelly are simple to whip up and can be stored ready to pull out when any guests drop by. And don’t forget good-quality store-bought pickles, pâtés and olives can make an effortless addition.

When thinking style, choose a colour palette for your party that reflects the occasion. Bold colours or black and white are a modern graphic background for zinc trays, slate tiles and concrete platters. Update your cutlery and servers with chic utensils in a matte finish, and look beyond paper napkins for linens or cotton napkins, which are a more stylish option and perfectly complete this elegant cheeseboard.