While I do try to eat a relatively healthy diet, there are three little treats I consume every day without fail: tea, cheese and dark chocolate. Whether I’m traveling abroad, eating at my desk at work, or preparing a meal at home, these are the things I always crave.

I’m always intrigued by the cheese boards I see in restaurants, and I sometimes order one to share. My husband and I enjoyed a really nice one at The Clarence, one of our favorite pubs in London.

Located in Whitehall, not far from Trafalgar Square, this charming pub offered a great selection of beverage and dining options on the main floor, but I prefer the lovely dining room upstairs.

On a recent trip, we opted to order cheese and charcuterie boards for lunch. Our meal included an assortment of cheese, meat, bread and crackers, as well as olives, grapes, apples and jam.

Upon our return home, I was inspired to host my own cheese tasting for my friends. I decided to include three cheeses, all sourced from Fresh Market and Whole Foods, including Purple Haze, a fresh goat cheese studded with lavender and fennel; Barely Buzzed, a cow’s milk cheese rubbed with espresso and lavender; and Tillamook Extra Sharp White Cheddar.

I assembled the three cheeses on a large cheese board, which I lined with pretty cheese papers. I then added three kinds of berries, Marcona almonds, fig jam and several types of crackers, including olive oil and sea salt crostini and my favorite Fresh Market Fig and Olive Crisps. I finished the board with sprigs of rosemary.

I complimented my cheese board with dark chocolate truffles, fig loaf, gourmet potato chips, fresh-bake Madeleines, Savannah Bee Company honey and other special treats. I arranged these items in pretty bowls and on small cake stands.

I placed all of these serving pieces on a pretty linen table runner I purchased at Mercury Design Studio during a recent trip to Austin. I love purchasing useful, beautiful items like this when I travel. Every time I incorporate these little treasures into my decor, or use them when entertaining, I not only get to enjoy something special, I also get a nice reminder of my trip.

My friends really enjoyed trying the different cheeses, and I loved planning this little get-together, one that was inspired by a wonderful trip.

Do you have a favorite cheese? Or a tip for building a cheese board? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Stephanie