A well-balanced cheeseboard is all about cheese – think three to five varieties of cheeses in a mix of styles and textures.

1. Start with a bold hard cheese, add something soft and creamy, and include a blue or flavoured option for contrast.

2. From there, it’s all about the extras. Add seasonal fruit like grapes, figs or pear slices, plus a handful of nuts for crunch.

3. A dollop of fruit paste or chutney brings a touch of sweetness, while crackers in different shapes and flavours provide the perfect base for every bite.

All that’s left to do? Pour a glass of something lovely and enjoy.

Not sure where to start when choosing the perfect cheese? Our cheese expert Jess is here to help with her round-up of perfect picks for every season, plus easy tips to help you enjoy every board, bite and pairing to its fullest.

1. Long Clawson Mature Blue Stilton: A British classic made to an exclusive M&S recipe. It's smooth, creamy and versatile, perfect for adding depth to salads, steaks, burgers, picky bits and more.

2. Pérail Papillon: A bright, summery French cheese with soft texture and mild flavour, perfect if you want to try something new without going too bold.

3. Isigny Aged Mimolette: Vibrant, fruity and nutty with gentle caramel notes, this is a bold cheese that delivers big flavour with zero effort.

4. 5 Year Cornish Cruncher: Made at the award-winning Davidstow Creamery in Cornwall to an exclusive M&S recipe, this punchy, deeply matured cheddar brings full‑flavour energy to every summer moment. It's the perfect upgrade for burgers, toasties, or BBQ sides.

5. Mascarpone: Crafted in the heart of Italy’s Dolomite mountains, our mascarpone is a soft, smooth, summery base for effortless desserts and no‑cook salads.

The secret to a standout cheeseboard is all in the extras. Think sweet, juicy grapes, seasonal figs and crisp apple slices to bring freshness and balance to bold, creamy cheeses. Scatter in some dried fruit like apricots or dates, plus a handful of crunchy nuts for texture. A drizzle of honey over blue cheese adds instant indulgence, while olives and charcuterie bring a savoury edge that rounds everything off beautifully. It’s all about mixing flavours and textures – and letting everyone build their perfect bite.

No cheeseboard is complete without a standout selection of crackers – and ours offer something for every palate. Our Collection Rye Sourdough Crackers have a distinctly crisp and hearty texture – each bite delivers a subtle tang that complements cheeses beautifully. For a colourful twist, Collection Beetroot Sourdough Crackers are a luxurious addition to your cheeseboard, crafted with vibrant beetroot for eye-catching colour.

Fancy something bold? Our Crispy Cheese Crackers are flavoured with onion and poppy seeds for a deeply savoury, satisfying bite. And for a gluten-free option, Made Without Wheat Cheese Crackers are potato-based, made with nutty Gouda, and pair perfectly with chutneys and pickles.