By Maureen C. Petrosky

Watch this Fine Living "Essentials" video on pairing wine with cheese.

Whether you're hosting a hundred or a humble few this holiday season, stocking your pantry and refrigerator with a selection of wine, cheese and desserts will keep you ready to entertain on short notice.

Follow these simple shopping, presentation and pairing techniques:

Shopping for Wine and Cheese

• The first must-have is a mixed case of wine with a few bottles each of red, white and bubbly. Add a simple ribbon and gift tag to a bottle for a last-minute gift.

• Keep one bottle each of white and bubbly in the fridge for a festive welcome and toast to the season.

• Choose a popular libation, like a Pinot Grigio or an un-oaked Chardonnay, to please most wine lovers.

• For reds, go with a silky Pinot Noir or a fruity Italian Barbera. Pick up a Bordeaux and Merlot to complement the Pinot Noir.

• For whites I like Sauvignon Blanc, along with a Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. If you're feeling winter's chill, a belly-warming bottle of Port is perfect.

Think variety when you head to the store for cheese. Pick up one or two choices from each of the following categories:

• Fresh — Mozzarella, feta or ricotta

• Soft and Creamy — Brie, Morbier (French) or Muenster

• Firm to Semi-Hard — Cheddar, Emmentaler (Swiss) or Gouda

• Hard — Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Gouda or aged Cheddar

• Blue — Roquefort, Gorgonzola or domestic (like Maytag Blue)