Choose an attractive plate, tray or cutting board to serve your cheese selections.  Keep the serving utensils and dishes simple, and be sure to set out a separate knife for each cheese.

Serve a couple of different Just Iowa Honey varietals in small glass jars or bowls to take advantage of the natural beauty of honey's golden glow, serve with a small spoon or drizzler. You can also use a piece of wildflower honeycomb in a small dish that guests can eat as is.

• A drizzle of honey or small chunk of honeycomb adds that perfect sweetness to balance out the sharpness of the cheese. 

• Currently, at Just Iowa Honey, we have wildflower honey and honeycomb available.  We will be extracting this season's varietals starting in mid-June - late July.  

Play off the idea of opposites, for example, salty cured meats such as prosciutto and salami go well with fresh apple slices, small fresh oranges and figs.  Salty nuts and olives pair great with dried fruits.  Along with the honey, you might serve a spicy condiment such as course mustard, chutney, marinated vegetables and tapenade.  Offer a selection of thinly sliced baguettes and simple crackers such as water crackers to complement but not compete with the cheeses.

As for the cheese, you want to select 4 or 5 varieties, one in each basic flavor category: aged, soft, firm and blue. Shop for your cheese at a store that has knowledgeable people to help you make your selections. If your cheese board is only one of several other items being served, you should buy 3 to 4 oz. per person, if the cheese board is the main appetizer, buy about 6 oz. per person. Bring the cheese out to room temperature about one hour before serving. Labeling the cheese and honey varieties for your guests is a nice touch.