Simple Tip: Keep a Few Good Cheeses and Crackers Ready (Especially for the Holidays)

As-salāmu ʿalaykum - a small household tip: especially around busy seasons, keep a couple decent cheeses and some crackers in the pantry/fridge. Wrapped cheese keeps for weeks in the fridge, and ones in wax or sealed packaging last even longer. It doesn’t have to be expensive. I usually grab a white cheddar, a brie, and a gouda, but I’ll take whatever’s reasonable at the store. Once you unwrap, slice and arrange them a bit, and even an average cheese looks nice. They make an easy light dinner or a generous snack for unexpected guests - or for when you get home from an event and don’t feel like cooking. You can portion some out and store the rest in a cool, airtight container and serve it again later. Stretch the cheese with shelf-stable or simple staples: olives, pickles, jam, hummus, canned fish, pita, dips, and whatever fruits or veggies you have. Use small bowls or ramekins to make it look nicer - it instantly feels more put together than just dumping fridge leftovers on a plate. Cut a few slices or wedges of each cheese so people are more likely to dig in. Varying heights with small dishes adds visual interest. Slice a few radishes with a bit of salt and butter, pair some raisins with apple slices, or fan sliced pickles on a plate. I’ve surprised guests with a quick cheese board when a visit ran late into mealtime; I always keep cheeses as the base and then round up extras. It’s often cheaper than ordering food and ready fast. Quick note because people worry about surprise visits: I don’t mean someone barging in uninvited - I mean hangouts that run long, running into a neighbor, playdates that stretch, or visitors who arrive with loose timing. I try to welcome people and build community, even if it’s a bit inconvenient. Saying yes, spending time without watching the clock - these small gestures matter. Having a little something on hand for about $20 makes guests feel valued and helps keep connections alive.