There are few things better than a table full of cheese, wine, and women you love — and Cheesegiving might just be my favorite fall tradition ever. It’s the perfect girls’ night idea that’s low effort, high reward, and leaves you feeling connected, full, and probably laughing until you cry.
Whether you’re planning a Friendsgiving alternative, a mom night in, or just a cozy fall hangout, this guide breaks down everything you need to host your own Cheesegiving — from what to bring to how to play my favorite group game that makes the night extra special.
🧀 What Is Cheesegiving?
Cheesegiving is basically a build-your-own charcuterie night where everyone brings two of anything:
- Cheese (the star of the show)
- Charcuterie (salami, prosciutto, soppressata)
- Vessels (crackers, bread, crostini)
- Accoutrements (honey, jam, fruit, nuts, olives)
- Wine (obviously)
Everyone shows up, you combine everything on one big board, pour the wine, and call it dinner. It’s cozy, easy, and one of my favorite ways to gather my people.
💡 Tip: 🧀 Want to make planning your own Cheesegiving effortless?
I put together an editable Cheesegiving Sign-Up Sheet Template you can grab for just $2 — it’s the exact one I used to organize our night! It includes built-in dropdown menus for cheese, charcuterie, accoutrements, and wine, plus a list of pairing ideas so no one duplicates items.
Perfect for Friendsgiving, girls’ nights, or any excuse to build a beautiful board together.
🍇 What to Bring: Cheeseboard Inspiration
If you want your spread to look a little extra, here are some easy combos everyone will love:
Cheeses
- Truffle brie
- Aged cheddar
- Goat cheese with honey
- Manchego
- Blue cheese with fig jam
Charcuterie
- Prosciutto
- Soppressata
- Genoa salami
- Pepper-crusted turkey slices
Vessels
- Rosemary crackers
- Crostini
- Sourdough rounds
- Pita chips
Accoutrements
- Honeycomb or drizzle
- Fresh figs or grapes
- Marcona almonds
- Fig or apricot jam
- Cornichons or olives
Group everything by category and let everyone add their items when they arrive — it makes the board feel full and natural (and everyone gets to see their contribution on the table).
🍷 The Drink Situation
My go-to is a big pot of mulled wine simmering on the stove when people arrive. It smells amazing, sets the mood, and pairs perfectly with cheese.
Easy Mulled Wine Recipe:
- 1 bottle red wine
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 sliced orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 tbsp honey (or to taste)
- Optional: splash of brandy
Simmer everything on low for 15–20 minutes — don’t let it boil — and serve warm in mugs.
💌 The Compliment Game (The Heart of the Night)
This is the part that makes Cheesegiving more than just food and wine — it’s the reason everyone leaves feeling so good.
Here’s how to play:
- Before the night starts, cut up small slips of paper.
- Each person writes one compliment for every person there — something kind, funny, or heartfelt.
- Toss all the compliments into a big bowl.
- Take turns pulling one out and reading it aloud.
- Everyone guesses who it’s about, and then who wrote it.
You leave with a handful of the nicest words your friends have said about you — it’s simple but kinda magic.
🌙 The Extra Touches
I love adding a few cozy or thoughtful extras to make the night feel special without being over the top:
- A small bowl of Lactaid or digestive enzymes (lol, realistic)
- My moon water energy spray as a take-home gift. Everything you need is here!
- Self-read tarot card decks for a fun little reflection activity
It’s all about that warm, cozy, real-girl energy — simple setup, real connection, and a table that feels full of love (and cheese).
🧀 Hosting Tips
- Keep it casual: Paper plates are fine. The goal is connection, not perfection.
- Set up early: Put parchment or butcher paper down before everyone arrives — cleanup is easy.
- Background playlist: Something mellow like acoustic covers, Norah Jones, or 2000s throwbacks.
- Make it cozy: Dim lighting, candles, and blankets set the mood.
💫 Why You’ll Love It
Cheesegiving isn’t just about the food — it’s about slowing down, laughing with your friends, and remembering how good it feels to just be together. It’s the kind of night that fills your cup (and your stomach).
If you host one, tag me @kee_to_wellness — I’d love to see your setup 🧡
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