To me, the Oscars are synonymous with fun appetizers, friends and my mom :)

It was her favorite day of the year and she was a particularly great hostess! So...every February, in her honor, I happily invite my best pals over to view the show and partake in an evening of feasting and playing Oscar-related games (BINGO being a favorite).

One of the most important hostess skills she taught me was the art of presentation. I most definitely have my mom to thank for any food styling saavy! In preparation for putting together an Oscar-worthy cheese plate this Sunday, I've rounded up my favorite cheese boards of the moment. If you're in the market to create a pretty plate, here's a nice sampling of contemporary boards with a mix of wood, stone and metal accents:

1. Anthropologie Iona Cheese Board $42

2. World Market Agate Cheese Serving Board $49.99

3. Jayson Home Live Edge Cutting Board $55

4. Pottery Barn Marble Cheese Board $49 (rectangle only)

5. West Elm Marble + Copper Serving Board $58

6. Crate&Barrel 2-Tone Marble Board Small $19.95 & Medium 24.95

7. Comerford Collection Perimeter Tray: $235

8. Sur la Table Marble & Mango Wood Cheese Board $50

9. West Elm Marble Cutting Board (Paddle) $39

10. Target Threshold Cheese Dome $19.99

11. CB2 Streamline Board with Copper Handle $39.95

12. Urban Outfitters Magical Thinking Patterned Cutting Board $34

With that, I'm super excited to shop for cheese plate supplies this weekend. I've been re-visiting a few of my favorites from the past year to inform the shopping list. Per usual, I aim to find the perfect balance of meats and cheeses, complimented by a mixture of garnishes: from fresh and dried fruits to herbs, tapenades and jams. Pretty much everything my mom loved!! And I know that she'll be there in spirit :)