Julia Altshuler wrote:
>
> I work at a place that sells wine and cheese. We've done a few cheese
> platters. We'd like to do more. So far, a cheese platter is a few
> types of cheese, maybe a blue, a soft, a chevre and something nicely
> aged and hard, cut into squares and arranged on a platter with a bunch
> of grapes, some green fresh herbs, little toothpicks, etc. In other
> words, BORING. We want something gorgeous, wowza, some design element
> in the presentation that's unmistakeably ours (though we don't mind
> stealing an idea from someone else) and spectacular. Any ideas? We
> have access to normal ingredients from the supermarket. Everything on
> the platter doesn't have to be edible. It just has to look attractive
> and classy.
>
> --Lia

First of all don't cut the cheese into squares because that's always
boring. Keep the respective cheeses whole or in sizeable sections. Let
the customer do the cutting at home/ on site. Can you include a 'proper'
cheese knife in the cost?

What sort of platter is used for the base? That could be interesting in
itself. Check your local restaurant supply.

A traditional presentation is on grape leaves. UK shops sell fake leaves
specifically for cheese platters. Can you get such a thing for your
shop? Or the green plastic bamboo leaves sold in an Asian shop?

Use other fruits too: apples and pears go well with many cheeses. Can
add other seasonal things such as dates and figs.

Include savoury biscuits/crackers or a couple of crisp baguettes.

Radish roses or similar edible decorations.