I’d like to serve a cheese board at a dinner party I’m planning but I don’t know how many or what types of cheese to buy. What would you suggest?

The most popular thing to do is to offer two hard or semi-hard cheeses, such as Gruyère and halloumi; two soft cheeses, such as brie and feta, one blue cheese and one goat cheese.

Add plenty of dried fruit, berries, grapes, nuts, crackers, olives and breads rolls to the board. These not only look pretty but complement the cheeses as well.

Of course, if you want to take the experience to the next level, visit farm markets, gourmet shops or organic shops and ask for artisan cheese. These cheeses will make your platter unique and they are a definite talking point. ● Do you have a question for Silvena? Email her at Friday@gulfnews.com. Please write ‘Domestic Diva’ in the subject line of your email.