For cocktail hours at weddings, baby showers, picnics, and other parties, family-style grazing tables are all the rage. These spreads, also called feasting tables, are great because they let guests casually mingle over drinks and bites as they pick on meat, cheeses, fruits, and other simple finger-foods (a.k.a the tastiest foods ever). And, with the right setup, they also look visually striking.
What’s a grazing table? Well, technically it is a buffet with a delectable spread of artfully curated and arranged meat, cheese, seasonal fruits, flowers, decorative tableware, and more. The concept is it can be picked up with the hands when on the plate, primarily finger foods that keep well at room temperature for some time. It is also called a grazing buffet, interchangeably with grazing table.
Grazing tables are also known as elevating wedding receptions everywhere by providing a colorful spread to feast on and mingle over. … Grazing tables often take shape as a massive charcuterie board or spread of antipasti laden with meats, cheeses, olives, and a selection of breads.
A Tropical Graze
For a “picnic” party right on the beach, the creators of this table say it ran more than 30 feet long!
A Long Feast Table
The eucalyptus that wraps around the table really makes it more special. It almost doesn’t matter what the food looks like (though it does look amazing).
A Square Table
Or, you can mix it up a bit, and instead of using a long, rectangular table, you can use a square one. That leaves the middle open for a dramatic centerpiece.
Home Parties
At private parties, the grazing feast can be the centerpiece with tiered plates to add elevation. Select a place roomy enough for guests to move around and admire the arrangement. “A well-put grazing table has premium ingredients, intelligent pairing and diverse flavours. Avoid sweet with savouries. The food should be bite-sized sans sauces,” says Vikram Ganpule, executive chef, Andaz Delhi. Place moisture-laden items on a non-porous base. Don’t leave white spaces on the table. “It allows you the freedom to be as much a part of the party as your guests,” says Chiquita Gulati, chef and co-owner, Gulati Spice Market, Delhi.
Health factor
Health nuts would love grazing tables. “Faux nuts contain more calcium than milk. Add them with salt and pepper to clarified butter. Walnuts and chia seeds high in omega 3 are a good replacement for buttered popcorn or chips. Include mashed cauliflower tikkis and rice cakes as they are a source of good carbs,” says Nutritionist Gaurav Taneja.
Versions of the grazing table have always been there and will continue to reign, says Gulati. “But the times for super formal dining seem to be behind us. Now people enjoy casual get-togethers where food isn’t fussy.” Amazing graze indeed.