That Cheese Plate Wants to Party

It’s time to party! This how-to guide will turn any gathering into a cheese-filled opportunity for connection and self-care—from the bestselling author of That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life, “the grande dame of cheese boards” (USA Today).

“The ultimate party planning guide . . . You’re going to love this cookbook I am obsessed with.”—Gina Homolka, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Skinnytaste Cookbook

If you’re in the mood to celebrate life, anything can be a party. There’s nothing like the positive energy of being together, a festive atmosphere, and the spark of laughter and conversation—around the cheese plate, of course. But a party doesn’t have to be a big event; it can just be a mindset. The very act of making a cheese plate builds space for creativity and settles you into a self-care mood, and now, Marissa Mullen takes the art of mindful plating to the next level by turning self-care communal.  

Featuring forty new cheese boards for parties of all kinds, thoughtful drink pairings, color themes, floral arrangement tips, tablescape ideas, playlists, and cheesy party games, this is the ultimate party planning guide. From cheese platters themed around holidays and special events, to dishes like gooey fontina dip and lush buffalo mozzarella caprese, and clever creations like the Thanksgiving Charcu-turkey and the Birthday “Cheese Cake,” these communal meals celebrate the way we connect with each other, and take cheese boards from a dish to a lifestyle. After all: That Cheese Plate Wants to Party.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs