Christmas is the perfect time to bring people together over good food. From relaxed family gatherings to festive parties with friends, a beautifully prepared cheese board can become one of the highlights of the holiday table. It is easy to share, offers something for different tastes and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy the celebrations.

If you are planning a Christmas cheese board or looking for a thoughtful present for someone who loves savoury food, a Devon-inspired selection is well worth considering. The Westcountry has a rich food tradition, and Devon Heaven brings together regional food gifts featuring cheeses, chutneys, crackers, savoury snacks and other treats.

Whether you want to create your own festive platter or send a ready-made food hamper to someone special, this guide will help you choose the right ingredients, understand flavour pairings and find inspiration for Christmas 2026.

Why a Christmas Cheese Board Is Always a Favourite

A cheese board is one of the most versatile additions to a festive gathering. It can be served before the main meal, enjoyed after dinner or placed on the table for guests to help themselves throughout an evening.

Unlike a dish that needs to be served at one particular moment, a cheese board encourages people to take their time. Guests can try different combinations, discover their favourites and enjoy conversation around the table.

There are several reasons to include one in your Christmas celebrations:

• Easy entertaining: Much of the preparation can be done before guests arrive.

• Variety: Different cheeses, crackers, chutneys and accompaniments provide a choice of flavours.

• Suitable for sharing: A well-planned board can be enjoyed by a couple, a family or a larger group.

• Flexible presentation: You can make a simple platter or create a more elaborate festive centrepiece.

• A thoughtful gift: Cheese and savoury hampers are ideal for food lovers who prefer savoury treats to sweets.

If you are shopping for a ready-made gift, begin with Devon Heaven’s Cheese and Savoury Hampers collection. For seasonal inspiration, you can also explore the Christmas Food Hampers collection.

1. Start with a Selection of Different Cheeses

The cheese is the star of the board, so choosing a good variety is the first step. Rather than buying several cheeses that taste very similar, select different styles to give guests a choice.

A balanced board might include:

Mature cheddar: A familiar favourite with a firm texture and a fuller flavour. It works particularly well with chutney, apple and crisp crackers.

Vintage cheddar: A stronger option for people who enjoy a more pronounced cheese flavour. It pairs nicely with fruit-based accompaniments.

Red Leicester: Its distinctive colour makes it attractive on a festive board, while its mild, savoury character offers a contrast to stronger cheeses.

Truffle cheese: A more indulgent option for guests who enjoy earthy, aromatic flavours. It can add something a little different to a traditional selection.

Berry or fruit-flavoured cheese: A sweet-and-savoury combination that can bring a festive touch to the platter.

Devon Heaven’s Cheese and Savoury Snacks hamper includes Barber’s 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar and Rolling Mature Cheddar Black Truffle, alongside crackers, nuts, olives and chutney.

For another cheese-led option, take a look at the Cheese and English Wine Hamper, which combines cheeses with chutney, savoury accompaniments and English wine.

These are useful starting points if you want to give someone a ready-made selection rather than buying every item separately.

2. Pair Cheese with the Right Chutneys

A good chutney can transform a simple piece of cheese and cracker into something much more interesting. Its sweetness, acidity and texture can complement the richness of cheese and help balance stronger flavours.

For a Christmas cheese board, consider offering two or three different chutneys rather than relying on just one.

Here are some pairing ideas:

• Apple chutney with mature cheddar: The fruity sweetness and gentle acidity work well with the richness of cheddar.

• Apricot and ginger chutney with vintage cheese: A sweet, warming accompaniment for a stronger cheese.

• Cranberry-style chutney with creamy cheese: A festive combination that brings colour and fruitiness to the board.

• Onion chutney with crackers and cheddar: A savoury-sweet option that suits a traditional cheese platter.

• Apple and cider fruit cheese with crackers: An interesting alternative to a conventional preserve.

Devon Heaven’s Create Your Own Hamper collection includes a selection of preserves and chutneys, such as Brendon Hills Apricot and Ginger Chutney, Brendon Hills Cranberry and Whortleberry Chutney and Otter Vale Apple Cider Chutney.

You can explore the individual options when building a personalised gift. This is particularly useful when you know that the recipient has a favourite flavour or enjoys experimenting with different cheese pairings.

For more ready-made combinations, browse the Devon food hampers collection.

3. Choose Crackers That Complement the Cheese

Crackers provide texture and a convenient way to serve cheese, but they should not overpower the flavours on the board.

A mixture of plain and flavoured crackers is usually a good approach. Plain crackers allow the cheese and chutney to take centre stage, while seeded or seasoned varieties can introduce an extra layer of flavour.

Consider including:

• Plain crackers for stronger cheeses and chutneys.

• Seeded crackers for a little extra texture.

• Sea-salt thins for a simple savoury accompaniment.

• Parmesan thins for guests who enjoy a stronger savoury flavour.

• Oat biscuits for a more rustic addition.

The Cheese and Savoury Snacks hamper includes savoury accompaniments such as Popti Parmesan Thins and sea-salt-style biscuits, with product substitutions sometimes applying.

The Cheese and English Wine Hamper is another option for a gift that brings together cheese and crackers with additional savoury treats.

If you are preparing your own board, arrange crackers in small groups around the cheeses. Keep some separate in a bowl so they remain crisp and guests can help themselves easily.

4. Add Fruit, Nuts and Other Festive Accompaniments

Cheese boards become much more attractive when you add a few accompaniments with different colours, textures and flavours.

Fresh fruit can bring brightness to a rich selection of cheese. Grapes, apple slices, pear and dried fruit are all worth considering. Nuts add crunch, while olives and savoury snacks provide a contrast to sweeter ingredients.

For a festive board, try combining:

• Grapes and sliced pears.

• Apple wedges with mature cheddar.

• Dried apricots or figs.

• Mixed nuts for crunch.

• Olives for a savoury contrast.

• A small bowl of chutney or fruit cheese.

• Fresh rosemary as a decorative finishing touch.

The Cheese and Savoury Snacks hamper includes mixed olives with rosemary and garlic, black truffle and sea-salt mixed nuts, fruit cheese and chutney.

For a different combination, the Cider and Cheese Hamper brings together mature cheddar, cider, nuts, crisps, chutney and crackers. It is a useful gift idea for someone who enjoys savoury snacks as much as cheese.

You can also browse the wider Devon food gift range to find other treats that might suit a festive gathering.

5. Create a Festive Cheese Board with a Little Devon Character

Presentation can make an ordinary cheese selection feel like a special Christmas centrepiece. You do not need expensive equipment or elaborate decorations. A wooden board, slate platter or large serving plate can provide an attractive base.

Start by placing the cheeses around the board, leaving enough room for guests to cut and serve them. Add small bowls of chutney and olives, then arrange crackers, fruit and nuts in the gaps.

For a seasonal finish, consider:

• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

• Red grapes or cranberries for festive colour.

• Small bowls for chutneys and preserves.

• A mixture of crackers arranged in different directions.

• Cheese labels so guests know what they are trying.

Keep the presentation practical. Guests should be able to reach each item without moving half the board, and every cheese should have its own knife where possible.

For inspiration, look at the Devon Heaven Feast, a substantial food hamper featuring a mixture of sweet and savoury products. It is an option to consider if you want to send a generous gift to someone who enjoys entertaining.

The Deluxe Hamper is another larger selection, with cheeses, chutneys, crackers, nuts and other treats. Check the current product listing for its full contents before ordering.

6. Pair Your Christmas Cheese Board with a Suitable Drink

The right drink can complement the flavours on a cheese board and make the occasion feel even more special.

There is no single correct pairing. The best choice depends on the cheeses, accompaniments and personal preferences of your guests.

Here are a few combinations to try:

English wine and mature cheddar: A lovely option for a relaxed festive evening. A wine with enough character can work well alongside a stronger cheese.

Cider and cheddar: A traditional Westcountry-inspired combination. The fruit character of cider can complement the savoury richness of cheddar.

Sparkling wine and creamy cheese: A celebratory pairing for Christmas parties and special occasions.

Alcohol-free sparkling drinks: A useful alternative when guests prefer not to drink alcohol.

Devon Heaven’s Cheese and English Wine Hamper is a ready-made gift idea for someone who enjoys wine with savoury food.

For cider lovers, the Cider and Cheese Hamper offers another Westcountry-inspired combination.

If you are buying for someone who enjoys a wider selection, browse the Devon food hamper collection for more gift ideas.

Remember to check the product details and age requirements for any hamper containing alcohol.

7. Choose a Ready-Made Christmas Cheese Hamper

Putting together a cheese board yourself can be enjoyable, but it takes time to source all the ingredients. If you are buying a gift or preparing for a busy festive gathering, a ready-made hamper can be a much easier option.

A good savoury hamper brings several complementary products together, so the recipient has a selection ready to enjoy or use as inspiration for a cheese board.

Devon Heaven offers several options worth exploring:

• Cheese and Savoury Snacks – a selection of cheese, chutney, crackers, nuts and olives.

• Cider and Cheese Hamper – a savoury gift with cheese, cider and snacks.

• Cheese and English Wine Hamper – a combination of cheese, chutney, crackers and wine.

• Deluxe Hamper – a larger selection with a range of sweet and savoury treats.

• Devon Heaven Feast – a premium food gift for a special occasion.

You can compare these options in the Cheese and Savoury Hampers collection.

For a broader range of festive presents, the Christmas hampers collection is another useful starting point.

8. A Christmas Cheese Hamper Makes a Thoughtful Gift

Some people are easy to buy for because they have a favourite hobby, a particular interest or a long wish list. Others seem to have everything already. For those difficult-to-buy-for recipients, a food hamper can be a welcome alternative.

A cheese and savoury hamper is especially suitable for someone who enjoys entertaining, cooking or discovering new flavours. It can be enjoyed over the festive period or used to create a sharing platter when friends and family visit.

Here are a few occasions when a cheese hamper makes a lovely present:

• For parents: A selection they can enjoy together over Christmas.

• For grandparents: A savoury gift to share with visiting family.

• For food lovers: An opportunity to try different cheeses and accompaniments.

• For hosts: A useful addition to their festive entertaining.

• For clients and colleagues: A more distinctive alternative to a conventional corporate gift.

If you are sending a gift directly, Devon Heaven offers a personalised gift message with its hampers. You can find ordering information on its frequently asked questions page.

For a more individual present, the Create Your Own Hamper collection lets you select products and packaging to build a gift around the recipient’s preferences.

You can also explore the full Devon Heaven product range if you want to compare savoury gifts with other food hampers.

9. How Much Cheese Should You Buy for a Christmas Board?

One of the most common questions when preparing a cheese board is how much cheese to buy.

The answer depends on when you plan to serve it and what else will be available. A small board served before Christmas dinner will need less cheese than one intended to be the main attraction at an evening gathering.

As a general guide:

• Before a large meal: Allow approximately 50–75g of cheese per person.

• As part of a larger buffet: Around 75–100g per person may be suitable.

• As the main food for a relaxed gathering: Consider approximately 125–150g per person.

These are planning estimates rather than strict rules. Adjust them according to your guests’ appetites and the number of other dishes being served.

It is also worth offering a few different styles rather than buying a large quantity of just one cheese. A selection of cheddar, a milder cheese and a more distinctive option will give guests more choice.

If you are purchasing a ready-made hamper, check the listed weights and contents to understand how much food it provides. The Cheese and Savoury Snacks gift box is a useful starting point for a smaller savoury selection, while the Deluxe Hamper offers a more substantial assortment.

10. Prepare Your Cheese Board Safely

A beautiful cheese board should also be handled carefully, particularly when it includes products that need refrigeration.

Cheese should be stored according to the instructions on its packaging. Keep chilled products refrigerated until you are ready to prepare the board, and avoid leaving perishable food at room temperature for longer than necessary.

A few practical tips:

1. Remove cheese from the refrigerator shortly before serving, allowing it to lose some of its chill without leaving it out for an extended period.

2. Use clean knives and serving utensils.

3. Keep different cheeses separate to help preserve their individual flavours.

4. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and follow the product’s storage guidance.

5. Check best-before dates before preparing your board.

6. Clearly communicate allergens to guests, particularly where nuts, gluten or dairy are involved.

If you are ordering a ready-made hamper, read its care and delivery information carefully. Devon Heaven provides product-specific storage guidance, and its FAQ page is a useful place to check general ordering and hamper questions.

This is especially important for gifts containing chilled cheese. Make sure the recipient knows when the parcel is arriving and can unpack and store the contents appropriately.

11. Consider Dietary Requirements Before Buying

Cheese boards often contain common allergens, including milk, gluten and nuts. If you are preparing one for a group, ask about dietary requirements before choosing the ingredients.

Do not assume that a product is suitable simply because it looks like a straightforward cheese or cracker. Check the packaging and product descriptions for ingredient and allergen details.

For example, Devon Heaven’s Cheese and Savoury Snacks hamper lists milk, gluten, wheat, nuts and other allergens. Its current product information should be checked before buying for anyone with a dietary restriction.

If you need an alternative gift for someone who avoids gluten, you can explore the Gluten Free Devon Food Hamper. However, this is a separate food hamper, not a gluten-free cheese board, and its allergen information still needs to be checked.

For a recipient who follows a vegan diet, the Vegan Food and Drink Hamper may be worth exploring instead.

If you are uncertain about cross-contamination or a serious allergy, contact the retailer before ordering. Never rely on a general dietary label as a guarantee that a product is safe for a particular individual.

12. Order Your Christmas Cheese Hamper Early

December is a busy time for food retailers and delivery companies. If you are planning a Christmas gathering or sending a savoury hamper as a present, ordering early gives you more time to choose the right selection.

Devon Heaven offers delivery-date selection on its product listings, with available dates shown during checkout. Its Christmas hampers collection also displays seasonal delivery information.

Before ordering, remember to:

• Check that your chosen hamper is in stock.

• Read the current product contents and any substitution information.

• Confirm the delivery address and postcode.

• Select an available delivery date at checkout.

• Check whether the parcel contains chilled products.

• Make sure someone can receive and store the hamper.

A selected delivery date is not an absolute guarantee against courier delays, so avoid leaving your order until the final possible day.

If you are buying for a business or sending multiple gifts, plan even further ahead. You can find more information through Devon Heaven’s corporate hampers page.

Bring a Taste of Devon to Your Christmas Table

A Christmas cheese board is about more than putting a few cheeses on a plate. It is an opportunity to bring people together, share different flavours and create a relaxed moment during one of the busiest times of the year.

By combining mature cheddar, distinctive cheeses, chutneys, crackers, fruit and savoury accompaniments, you can create a board that looks attractive and gives everyone something to enjoy.

If you would rather send a ready-made gift, Devon Heaven’s Cheese and Savoury Hampers collection offers several options for cheese lovers. You can also explore the Devon food hampers collection for a wider selection of regional food gifts.

From a simple platter for two to a generous festive spread for the whole family, a well-chosen selection of Westcountry flavours can make Christmas entertaining feel extra special.

This Christmas, make room on the table for good cheese, delicious chutney and plenty of conversation. Sometimes, the simplest food traditions create the happiest festive memories.