Do you want to learn more about grazing tables and how to create one that's perfect for your next event? Keep reading!
What is a grazing table?
Imagine a buffet, but one that's not just delicious but also visually appealing. A grazing table, as the name suggests, is like a table for grazing - guests can easily pick and nibble at food. It is usually a large and flat surface, such as a table, counter, wooden board, or platter. Various food items are arranged artfully in piles that spill, overlap, and intertwine, thus making the grazing table not only delicious, but also beautiful and eye-catching. The key to creating a grazing table is to keep in mind the principle of "organised chaos."
Grazing table vs buffet
Grazing tables primarily consist of finger food that guests can nibble on while mingling with other guests. Unlike a traditional buffet, you won't find chafing dishes on grazing tables. Foods such as cheese, fruit, charcuterie, bread, dips, crackers, raw veggies, condiments, bite-sized finger sandwiches, sweet treats, pretzels, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and olives can be included, essentially anything that is easy to nibble on. Grazing tables are versatile enough for any event, budget, or theme.
Why should you pick a grazing table over something else?
- Easy set up - meaning you can focus on the important things like spending more time with your guests.
- Lets your guests taste a little bit of everything
- Allows a large degree of creativity and innovation tailored to your specific occasion - the sky's the limit!
The fundamentals of making a great grazing table
To make your grazing table stand out, you should consider these four essentials: selecting a theme related to your event; having ample props and crockery; including fresh flowers and greenery; and serving fresh, seasonal, and local produce. To provide visual appeal, create height using cake stands, boxes, wooden boards, metal baskets, and tiered stands. All of these elements will contribute to a cohesive vibe for your grazing table which matches the theme of your event.
But don't go overboard with the styling – the table must look artistic while still being accessible, and your guests should not be hesitant to touch or eat the food.
Food to include:
- Shaved meats and cheeses
- Fresh fruits
- Crackers, fresh breads and other dippable items
- Dips and spreads
- Olives and pickles
- Sweet treats (chocolate, mini pastries, tarts)
The key to choosing foods for your grazing table is to consider how easy the foods are to eat whilst your guests mingle and chat. This, along with choosing a wide variety of colours, textures and flavours will make for a delicious and appetising grazing table.
How to build your grazing table
Whilst there are no hard and fast rules, we have some advice to help ensure your grazing table wows your guests:
1. Find the perfect grazing surface
Make sure your table isn't too small or too big. If it's too small, your guests will struggle to reach the food. And if it's too big, your feast will look downright sad. We want your grazing table to wow, not bring tears to our eyes.
2. Add some height for that wow factor
We're going for a three-dimensional food experience here, so let's avoid a flat-as-a-pancake situation. Get creative with different levels using cake stands, boxes, wooden boards, metal baskets – the whole shebang. You can even stack those cheese wheels like a mouthwatering cake and top it off with honeycomb, figs, and herbs. Seriously, who could resist a slice of that masterpiece?
3. Set the table with style
Pick a single theme and unleash your creative genius. Vary the sizes and shapes of your serving-ware to keep things interesting. Keep it simple so the food can shine and take center stage. We want your guests to dig in without hesitation. Scatter crackers, fruit, nuts, and herbs all around the table. Cut a piece from that whole wheel of cheese, slice up that fresh loaf of bread, or crumble some cheese to make it easy for everyone to dive in.
Oh, and don't be afraid to go wild. Not everything needs to be on a fancy platter or board. Sometimes a little bit of controlled chaos adds some serious flavour to the mix.
4. Introducing... the star of the show: the food!
Time to choose the food that suits your event and theme. Whether it's a breakfast grazing table, a Halloween-themed afternoon tea, or a team lunch, the possibilities are endless and oh-so tasty.
Just remember, keep it manageable and mess-free. We want your guests to enjoy a little bit of everything from the grazing table. Bite-sized portions are the way to go – one or two bites max. No knife required once it leaves the table is generally a good rule to follow.
And don't forget to give each culinary creation its own spotlight. Label them with mini blackboards, slates, or even cute little flags. Your guests will appreciate the heads-up and look extra fancy as they devour their favourites.
Prefer to outsource the work to someone else?
Are you on the hunt for a grazing table, breakfast platter or other office food delivery for your corporate event that will impress? Email [emailprotected] to get in touch with our corporate catering experts at Feedr or check out our website to scroll our endless possibilities or ask for a free quote.
