Grazing Tables 101

Charcuterie boards and grazing tables are all the rage these days. If you haven't been keeping up with such trends of late, a grazing table is essentially a super-sized charcuterie board that takes up an entire table and can feed a large crowd. They're a good option for events like weddings, birthday parties, showers, and even work conferences or seminars. Grazing tables started to gain popularity in the 2010s and have only taken off since then, thanks in part to the growing interest in learning how to assemble Insta-worthy charcuterie boards. I can hear what you're saying: Isn't a grazing table just a fancied-up reboot of the classic buffet table? Yes and no. Although the self-serve concept is similar, grazing tables differ in a few key ways. While a buffet consists of lined up serving platters and chafing dishes for warm items that guests shuffle past, a grazing table boasts an amped-up sense of style with an emphasis on appearance and the display factor. It encourages party-goers to eat with their eyes first. Secondly, grazing tables allow for interaction and chit-chat between guests. There is no line up and progression down the table to serve yourself each item as there is in a buffet situation. Guests can graze on their food, hence the name. Another perk of a grazing table versus a buffet is that it is the perfect canvas for creativity and variety. This skill set can be shown through the color of foods, the menu of item choices, or by following the party's specific theme. Whether you choose to hire a catering company or to DIY your grazing table, you'll need to consider a few things first. The number of guests it should serve, your budget (cost will usually be based on size but will also depend on the affordability of the food items used), and the length of the table are all deciding factors when getting your graze on. Is the gathering casual or formal? The grazing items should complement the overall vibe of the event and be on par with the venue. The party theme, if any, and time of the event are additional considerations, as is the demographics of the guests. If children will be in attendance, a selection of family-friendly foods is necessary as little ones are often less enthused about things like olives, cured meats and pungent cheeses. Don't forget about allergies and dietary restrictions. If there is a known nut allergy in the group, it's best to avoid those little troublemakers altogether rather than run the risk of cross-contamination on your table. If meat, gluten or dairy are concerns, be sure to provide plenty of alternative choices. For those going DIY, the grazing table design can be a fun decision-making process. Will everything lay flat on the table (protected with butcher paper) or will you add height with tiers created from platters on pedestals, cake stands, and blocks? Adding height can allow for more visual interest as well as surface area. The doughnuts and bagels on brunch tables can even be stacked up on paper towel holders. Will you be using filler items like flowers, greenery, or herbs to create appeal and a color palette for the table? Edible flowers can also be used for a pop of color throughout when scattered on top of dishes. Of course, food safety should be of utmost importance. Most perishable foods should not sit out for more than four hours. Refrigerate a selection of refill items rather than placing large heaps of meats and cheeses on the table. Ready to get started? Below are a few popular grazing table themes, or try a quick online search for a multitude of even more creative options and let your imagination go graze-y. Brunch: Pancake bites, pastries, waffle and chicken bite skewers, bagels, fruit, salads, mini quiches, individual yogurts with granola Desserts: Pastries, doughnut holes, mini cupcakes, cookies, candy, chocolate fountain with dippers Barbecue: Sliders, chicken skewers with veggies, hot dogs, grilled shrimp, slices of corn-on-the-cob, salads Greek: Hummus, feta cheese, chicken skewers, gyros, Greek salad, veggies, olives, pita bread Coastal: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, caviar with blini, mini lobster rolls, seaweed salad, sushi rolls