Rachael's former boss at Macy's Cellar Marketplace, Michael Corsello, taught her everything she knows about cheese. Now he's showing you how to build the perfect holiday cheese platter!

Michael's Tips:

• Variety counts! You want your cheese platter to be exciting -- a voyage of different flavors, colors, textures, countries and milks.

• Make sure you have something for everyone. Start with something "safe" (a mild cheese like brie), and then build up to ones that are more intense.

• Don't cube or pre-cut your cheese.

• Include cheese accompaniments. Sweet options include nuts, dry fruits, fruit spreads and pastes. Savory options you might try are olives, oven roasted tomatoes and various breads.

(If you don't already know how to turn an ordinary piece of slate into a great cheese board, here's how.)