Crafting the Perfect All-British and Irish Cheese Charcuterie Board for Christmas

When the festive season arrives, few centrepieces feel as inviting as a beautifully arranged cheese and charcuterie board. 

This year, why not celebrate Christmas with a twist by building a board entirely sourced from the British Isles? 

From rich English cheddars to creamy Irish blues and artisan charcuterie cured in small UK smokehouses, a locally focused platter feels both luxurious and meaningful.

Whether you’re hosting a quiet evening in or laying out a Boxing Day feast, an all-British and Irish board brings the flavours of home straight to the table.

Why Choose British and Irish Cheese for Christmas?

The UK and Ireland have undergone a quiet cheese revolution over the last two decades. Today, more than 700 varieties are produced regionally, many of them award-winners. Choosing local brings some lovely benefits:

Fresher, higher-quality produce with shorter supply chains

Support for small farms and dairies, especially those using traditional methods

Distinct regional character, from Somerset to County Cork

A sustainable choice, thanks to reduced transport miles

Plus, British and Irish cheesemakers know how to make a festive statement. Christmas is prime season for bold flavours, mature cheddars, indulgent soft cheeses and decadent blues.

Essential Cheeses for a British & Irish Christmas Board

Mixing textures and strengths is the secret to a perfect platter. Aim for 4–6 varieties.

1. Mature Cheddar (England)

A robust, crumbly cheddar is a must.

Try: Montgomery’s, Keen’s or Black Bomber.

2. Stilton (England)

Classic Christmas cheese: tangy, creamy and rich.

Try: Colston Bassett for a traditional festive blue.

3. Soft Mould-Ripened Cheese (England or Ireland)

Think of these as your UK-Irish equivalent of Brie or Camembert.

Try: Tunworth (Hampshire), Baron Bigod (Suffolk), or Gubbeen (Ireland).

4. Goat’s Cheese (Wales or England)

Fresh, tangy and a lovely palate cleanser.

Try: Kidderton Ash, Rachel Goat’s Cheese, or Pantysgawn.

5. Irish Blue or Washed Rind (Ireland)

Bring some depth with an Irish blue or a bold washed rind variety.

Try: Cashel Blue, Crozier Blue or Milleens.

6. Smoked or Flavoured Cheese (Scotland)

For a little drama.

Try: Smoked Applewood or Isle of Mull Cheddar.

British & Irish Charcuterie That Elevates Your Board

Our islands produce exceptional cured meats that pair beautifully with local cheese.

Air-dried beef: Bresaola-style cuts from Scottish smokehouses

British salami: Try varieties infused with fennel, chilli or cider

Smoked ham: Wiltshire cured ham adds a classic festive note

Irish charcuterie: Look for charcuterie from small producers in Cork and Galway

If you want something truly seasonal, many artisan producers release Christmas-spiced salamis, whisky-smoked meats, or limited-edition hams at this time of year.

Seasonal Accompaniments for a Festive Finish

Make your board look abundant and Christmassy with well-chosen additions.

Crackers & Bread

Scottish oatcakes

Seeded sourdough crackers

Irish wheaten bread

Chutneys & Relishes

Caramelised onion chutney

Fig and port chutney

Spiced apple and cranberry relish

Fruit & Nuts

Red grapes

Figs, fresh or dried

Pear slices

Walnuts and roasted hazelnuts

Extras for Christmas Flair

Honeycomb pieces

Rosemary sprigs

Edible gold-dust grapes

Festive-shaped cheese cutters (stars always win!)

How to Arrange Your Board Beautifully

Start with your largest cheeses and place them evenly across the board.

Add charcuterie in gentle folds for volume.

Fill gaps with fruit, nuts, and small bowls of chutney.

Use contrasting colours (deep blue veined cheese next to pale crackers).

Aim for a look that’s full but not overcrowded.

Rustic wooden boards feel the most festive, but slate or marble works beautifully for a crisp, modern style.

Drinks Pairing: Keep It British & Irish

Sparkling wine: English sparkling wine from Kent or Sussex

Red wine: Welsh pinot noir or a smooth Irish red

Cider: A dry Herefordshire or Somerset cider, or a Irish farmhouse cider

Beer: Winter ales or a dark stout

Non-alcoholic: Spiced apple punch or ruby pear juice

Final Thoughts

An all-British and Irish cheese and charcuterie board isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration of the incredible craftsmanship and heritage of our local producers. 

Whether it sits proudly on your Christmas Eve nibble table or appears as the centrepiece of your Boxing Day buffet, it brings warmth, generosity and festive cheer to every gathering.

You should be able to purchase the above items from delicatessens, farm shops or high status food shops. 

You can also use the That's Christmas 365 online shop, too: https://amzn.to/3KB3IAs

Why Welsh Love Spoons Make Excellent Christmas Gifts for the Lady in Your Life

As Christmas approaches and the hunt for the perfect gift begins, it can be tricky to find something meaningful, unique, and beautiful. 

If you’re looking for a present that will stand out and convey heartfelt sentiment, a Welsh love spoon might just be the ideal choice for the lady in your life.

The genesis for this post? My wife's family originates in Wales, in fact she pleases and amuses displaced Welsh people by chatting to them in their native tongue! 

She adores Welsh Love Spoons and, over the years, has amassed quite a collection, with some bought by me. In fact, I'm going to buy her another one for this Christmas!

So, what exactly are Welsh love spoons? 

A Tradition Steeped in Romance

Welsh love spoons date back to the 17th century and originated as tokens of affection carved by young men for the women they admired. These intricately designed spoons were a way to express love, commitment, and admiration. Today, they continue to symbolise care and devotion, making them a romantic and timeless gift for Christmas.

A Gift with Meaning

What sets Welsh love spoons apart is the symbolism embedded in their designs. Every carved element has a specific meaning, allowing you to personalise the spoon to reflect your relationship. Hearts represent love, chains symbolise togetherness, and keys signify a promise to unlock one’s heart. By choosing a love spoon with motifs that resonate with your shared story, you’re giving more than just a gift—you’re giving a deeply personal keepsake.

Handcrafted Beauty

In a world dominated by mass-produced items, a Welsh love spoon offers something refreshingly authentic. Traditionally hand-carved from wood, these spoons showcase the skill and craftsmanship of artisans. Their tactile beauty and rustic charm make them a pleasure to hold and display, adding a touch of elegance to any home.

Versatile and Lasting

Welsh love spoons are versatile gifts that suit a variety of relationships. Whether you’re gifting one to a partner, wife, girlfriend, or even a close friend, the message of care and thoughtfulness is universal. Moreover, as they’re made from wood, they are durable and long-lasting, becoming a cherished memento for years to come.

Supporting Local Heritage

By choosing a Welsh love spoon, you’re not only giving a beautiful gift but also supporting a traditional craft that’s integral to Welsh culture. Many spoons are still crafted by artisans in Wales, keeping this historic art form alive. It’s a gift with heart and heritage—a rare combination.

Perfect for the Christmas Spirit

Christmas is a time for expressing love and gratitude, and a Welsh love spoon embodies these sentiments perfectly. Its warm wooden tones and intricate carvings feel especially festive, and it’s a gift that speaks to the deeper meaning of the season—connection, care, and generosity.

Where to Find Welsh Love Spoons

You can find Welsh love spoons in specialist shops, online boutiques, or even directly from Welsh artisans. Look for those that offer customisation options so you can tailor the design to reflect the personality and preferences of the recipient.

A Gift to Treasure

In a world where disposable gifts are all too common, a Welsh love spoon stands out as something truly special. Thoughtful, beautiful, and meaningful, it’s a timeless way to show the lady in your life just how much she means to you this Christmas.

So why not embrace this enchanting tradition and make this year’s Christmas one to remember? A Welsh love spoon isn’t just a gift—it’s a heartfelt expression of love and appreciation, destined to be treasured for years to come.

The Welsh Cheese Company launches "Giant Christmas Cheese Cracker!'

This Christmas you'll be able to give the gift of fine Welsh cheese with a festive twist, as The Welsh Cheese Company launches its brand new Giant Welsh Cheese Christmas Cracker, containing a festive dozen of Wales' finest artisan cheeses. 

This exclusive cracker is the perfect way to add a delicious touch to your festive celebrations.

Beautifully and carefully packaged in a festive, cracker-shaped box that’s over half a metre long, this unique gift, priced at £79 is a true celebration of Welsh cheesemaking, including favourites from some of the best cheesemakers from all over Wales like Caws Cenarth and The Snowdonia Cheese Company.

Inside each cracker, twelve distinct artisan cheeses showcase the country's rich tradition of dairy craftsmanship and offer something for every palate:

1.     Bouncing Berry – Mature Cheddar Cheese with Dried Cranberries (200g)

2.     Caws Cryf – Extra Mature Cheddar (200g)

3.     Angiddy – Soft Brie-Style Cheese (150g)

4.     Beechwood – Naturally Smoked Mature Cheddar (200g)

5.     Perl Wen – Creamy White-Rinded Cheese (200g)

6.     Black Sheep – Creamy Sheep’s Cheese (150g)

7.     Brandy & Apricot – Organic cheddar with brandy and apricots (200g)

8.     Amber Mist – Mature Cheddar with

9.     Black Bomber – Extra Mature Cheddar (200g)

10.  Perl Las – Creamy Blue-Veined Cheese (200g)

11.  Blue Wenallt – A Meltingly Soft Creamy Blue (200g)

12.  Cheddar with Leeks - Creamy Mature Cheddar Blended With Real Leeks (200g)

Founder of The Welsh Cheese Company, Tom Pinder, said, "We really wanted to create something really special for the upcoming Christmas season, and our Giant Welsh Cheese Cracker is a fun, festive way to showcase the best of Welsh cheese. It’s a unique gift that’s perfect for cheese lovers, and a great addition to any Christmas spread or dinner party."

There's also a Mini Welsh Cheese Christmas Cracker, too.

Three smaller versions of the Welsh Cheese Christmas Cracker, containing four of Wales' finest artisan cheeses, will also be available for the first time this year. With three different versions to choose from - the ‘Artisan’, the ‘Famous Four’ and the ‘Festive Cheddars’ - each of the ‘mini’ crackers are priced at £32 each, or all three for £79.

The Artisan

·      Blue Wenallt 200g

·      Angiddy 200g

·      Cenarth with Leek 200g

·      Black Sheep 150g

The Famous Four

·      Black Bomber 200g

·      Perl Las 200g

·      Perl Wen 200g

·      Beechwood 200g

The Festive Cheddars

·      Bouncing Berry 200g

·      Amber Mist 200g

·      Caws Cryf 200g

·      Brandy and Apricot Cheddar 200g

But there's more! All of The Welsh Cheese Company’s crackers also contain special festive party hats and cheesy jokes! To find out more, visit: www.welshcheesecompany.co.uk/products/christmas.