I'm putting together a menu for a weekend get-together and thinking about ordering a cheese platter instead of making one myself. I'd like something with a nice mix of soft and hard cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers, dips, and a few gourmet extras.

For those who regularly order cheese platters, what ingredients make the biggest difference? Are there any combinations that always impress guests or things I should avoid when choosing one?

From my experience, a great cheese platter Sydney isn't just about having lots of cheese it's all about variety and presentation. A good platter should include a mix of soft, hard, and aged cheeses, along with cured meats, fresh and dried fruit, crackers, nuts, olives, dips, and a few sweet treats to balance the flavours.

I usually prefer ordering rather than making one myself, especially when I'm entertaining. I've had a really good experience with Cheese & Co. Their platters are beautifully arranged, use fresh ingredients, and are ready to serve, which takes a lot of stress out of hosting.

I'd also recommend choosing a platter that's the right size for your guest list and checking if it can be customised for any dietary requirements. A well-prepared cheese platter not only tastes great but also becomes a real centrepiece that guests naturally gather around.