How to make and create a Cheese platter

Does the name conjure up pictures of aromatic heaven with delicious luscious cheese in different flavors, shapes and sizes? With so many cheeses to choose from, you’ll want to check out these tips for creating a balanced cheese platter suited to your guests' tastes. (Ask those calorie conscious people not to come to your party!!!)
Traditionally, a cheese platter should include a variety of cheeses, progressing from the very mild to the more pronounced. But tastes vary, so there’s no point serving a particularly tangy Blue cheese (do not worry about the name blue this cheese is edible) to people who prefer their cheese mild. Here are some suggestions to help you match your cheese platters to your guests’ preferences - and to surprise them with palate-pleasing accompaniments!
Plan 45 g to 60 g of cheese per person for an end-of-meal platter. Take cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving, to allow aroma and flavor to fully develop. But, for a change, try serving a single cheese with a variety of accompaniments, such as Canadian Swiss with crusty olive bread, dense multigrain bread and a compote of very lightly sweetened stewed rhubarb, either homemade or store-bought.
Also remember, a cheese platter doesn’t have to be served after dinner! It makes a sensational lunch accompanied by a mixed salad of greens. And when friends or family drop by, bring out a selection of fine Canadian cheese and you’ve got a party! (My mouth is watering!!! All this cheese talk sure has fired up my appetite)
Decorating a cheese platter has always been a heck of a job. But here are some easy ways to decorate it. Choose the platter/plate according to the theme of the party. Like go for a sophisticated platter for a wine and cheese rendezvous or pick a nice flower shaped plate for a garden party.
For a pleasing presentation of the platter, slice the cheese in various shapes and arrange them in an appropriate manner. The complementary food like the olives, the grapes etc must be placed in the center of the plate and arrange the cheese slices around it. Add a bit of color and vibrancy to the platter, with strawberries and cherries.

Suggested accompaniments:
Breads & crackers (not the ones which burst)
Raisin bread, nut bread, sunflower seed loaf, sourdough bread or French baguette, bread with herbs, a fougasse with olives - any kind of bread goes well with cheese, as long as the taste does not overwhelm the cheese. Select bread not only according to tastes but to textures as well. A crisp, salted cracker with a soft cheese provides an interesting contrast in texture. So does dark rye bread with Havarti or Feta, or nut bread with a Blue cheese.
Pickles, fruit, nuts & more
Homemade green tomato ketchup or pickles go great with strong-flavored cheese. Try cranberry and apple jam with Canadian Swiss cheese. Onion and maple syrup preserves with Brie. And add some fresh fruit to cleanse the palate. You can’t go wrong with dried fruits like figs, prunes and raisins which go splendidly with just about all cheeses. Fresh walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are also delightful.
So all this has got you thinking??? Well what are you waiting for?? Go out there, buy some cheese, and put together some lip smacking cheese platter!
Bon Appétit!!!