We shared this little idea maybe a year ago? We thought it deserved a revisit of sorts today, since all things entertaining season are about to begin.
A few days ago, we visited one of our very favorite {new to us} haunts in Nashville.
I’m not sure that anything can top this little spot. Or the sweet company and wonderful, fun conversations that come with it.
We’re still getting acquainted with such a big city, so it’s all Nashville to us. Technically, I guess it’s in Arrington. And if any of you are familiar with the area, you know just where we went. It’s hands down, the best.
Arrington Vinyards, for a fun picnic with friends to enjoy a beautiful little sunset. We packed up some goodies, and headed off to have a blast with everyone.
But we decided to get a little fancy, with our favorite cheese tray, and that whilst being fancy, we should take a photo to document our fancy-ness. Because we’re cultured and stuff.
I know when you see us, you think ‘cultured’. I mean, we practically ooze it.
But seriously, is there anything better than a nice hearty party cheese tray? No, I won’t reel it in.
Because you don’t have to be super over the top to make a great one. So today we’re sharing some of our favorite combos, because why not?
It’s kind of amazing, if we do say so ourselves. And a lot of it is even kiddo friendly… especially for the picky little eaters like ours.
We just grabbed up one of our trays, laid down some parchment, and paired up some of the best flavors around. Here’s some of our favorite combos.
{1.} Brie + Fresh Figs + {2.} toasted almonds – They make a great little combo. A little bit of crunch, and sweet combined with creamy brie is oh so delicious.
{4.} Goat Cheese + pairs wonderfully with pepper jelly, {if you’ve had it with cream cheese, this kicks it up a notch – is this a southern thing?} Which also goes with {3.} Cherry tomatoes
{5.} Pepper Jack Cubes {go wonderfully with everything. We will eat all of the pepper jack} + sea salted cashews + {6.} Grapes.
{7.} Every cheese tray needs a little deli meat. Prosciutto in thin slices are a great little addition + and pairs wonderfully with Gruyere cheese {not pictured} for a wonderfully creamy, smoky favor.
{8.} Fresh parmesan in flakes + greek olives – seems like an unlikely combo, but take our word for it… You’re welcome.
{9.} Bleu cheese {we know blue is also acceptable, but we seem fancier this way because French people are awesome} paired with strawberries, + {3.} tomatoes + bread = oh so wonderful.
{10.} For our cracker/bread selection – we say grab whatever you like, because this was like a dumbed-down ‘fancy’ version for the laid back evening… you’ll find no caviar here. We love simple finds like wheat thins, sea salted pita crackers and mini baguettes for a nice well-rounded selection. I’m now gluten free, so we have that as an option, as well.
And that about sums up our favorite finds for the yummiest of cheese trays on the funnest of nights. {Yes, we know funnest isn’t a word… but our kiddos say it so much, it just felt appropriate.}
It’s definitely quite the fantastical combo to show up with at your next dinner soirée. What are some of your favorite combos for all things cheese and flavorful trays that you could totally make a meal out of? We’d love to hear your favorite flavorful ideas.
Have an inspired day!
So glad you’re soaking up all things Nashville! Still waiting to bump into y’all! If you’re ever over in the Grassland area, be sure you pop in to The Good Cup and The Perfect Setting.
Thanks so much Beth! We’re glad to be here – just waiting to get our hands on this house! HA! We will have to check those out. Hopefully we close soon!
After having to travel to Arkansas from Massachusetts for the funeral of my sweet, sweet second mom (some people would say stepmom, but she was much more to me than that simple name implies) this past week we found ourselves driving through TN and absolutely loving it. This was a surprise to us both! Hubby is in the military and we find ourselves more and more discussing where on earth we’ll settle down after he retires. The passing of my second mom has brought this topic to the forefront for us because now my kick ass dad is kind of out in the middle of nowhere AR alone. We’ve all three (me, hubby and dad) agreed our long term goal is to buy some land with a house for us and a small home for dad and a HUGE workshop for all his tool goodies. He’s a doer. 🙂 So all this to say I’ll be reading your posts about TN with a little gleam in my eye as we discuss and dream and try to figure out what on earth state we’ll move to when the military is no longer telling us where to go. 🙂 Our families are in middle and south GA so any locations considered need to be within a days driving distance, but other than that….oh, the possibilities! I’m not sure making such an adult decision is what I do best. 🙂 The green and lush TN landscape had us swooning. Either that or the 28 hour drive in two days in the car there and then back had us delirious, but I’m leaning toward it being a beautiful state. 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss – I can only imagine. Thinking of you during this time – but also what an adventure that you get to look forward to! So excited for you!
I knew exactly where you were going with this!!!! My mother actually lived in Arrington, TN for about 20 years when the vineyard was just starting. We’d go visit and of course always a stop on the way home to Florida. We were up there last summer and it was just wonderful. My fav place in the Nashville area!!!! (you know it’s owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn fame)??
Awe yes! So glad you guys have sweet memories there. So neat!
We love cheese trays. For crackers, our favorite is by Breton. (a lot of people don’t realize that almost all the cartons have a coupon inside -$1.00 off!). Baguettes are also loved around here. Trader Joe’s has a great selection of cheese, etc. As for the fruit, that has to be a whole platter to itself as we have a fruit ninja daughter. Our local grocery store also has a wide selection of cheese tray related items. For jellies, we love hot pepper jelly, chianti wine jelly, and fig spread. Sometimes I’ll even set out one of the Bonne Maman jars. They have a new mango peach one I’ve yet to open. Growing up in a Croatian family my aunts would put out great trays. Even for a quick visit it was, “Would you like to eat?” “No? What are you, sick?” I learned to always try the food. After having a fancy cheese platter at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite we’ve also come to love the fancy bread they serve along with some Quince jelly. ***Note*** Ahwahnee Hotel is now called something else, but after almost 100 years with that name, there’s no way I’m going to call it anything else. hahaha
Yummy suggestions! And the whole “Are you sick” thing is cracking me up! So funny!