<p>Last week at his company’s annual meet-and-greet event, Rajat Naik, a fresh chartered accountant, working in a prominent finance company, found himself delighted by a table full of nibble-sized foods. As a 23-year-old, Rajat loves food but avoids the regular greasy and heavy stuff, so he was more than happy to try out the different items.</p>.<p>These are grazing tables, the new showstoppers at modern parties, weddings and corporate events. These lavish spreads of bite-sized delights are more than just food – they’re artful layouts of indulgent, fun, healthy and light food items that allow guests to connect, explore and indulge. They also play a lead role in allowing people to try varieties of foods as they engage with others over some banter.</p>.<p><strong>Stunning spread of finger foods</strong></p>.<p>A grazing table is a visually stunning spread of finger foods and bite-sized food items presented on a large table. It requires minimal cooking since most food items are raw or ready-to-use needing just assembly. Ready-to-serve grazing boards that come in boxes with trays are also available complete with cheeses, dips, crackers, nuts, seeds, dry fruits and more.</p>.<p>They are the exact opposite of a structured buffet and hence a hit with all. Think of them as a smorgasbord of cheeses, fruits, seeds, dips, breads, mini desserts and other delicacies, meant to be nibbled on as you chat with guests.</p>.<p>While elaborate lunches and dinners are arranged after some main event, grazing tables function as an event in itself, surrounded by the conversation. They are perfect to encourage mingling and slow eating, especially during cocktail hours, receptions or networking sessions. From intimate home gatherings, engagement ceremonies, birthdays to grand corporate galas, grazing tables are all the rage for their functionality and variety.</p>.<p>Setting a grazing table Your creativity is the limit for designing a grazing table. It is as much about visual storytelling as it is about food. Make it look like a Tuscan countryside or a Mediterranean resort it’s all a play of colours and textures. Here are some tips: Table base: Start with a base of parchment paper or pastel coloured tablecloth on a large table. Use wood boards crates or stands to add dimensions. Use lace boxes trays cups and more. Arrangement: Segregate the larger items like cheese wheels bread loaves and large bowls of dips to one side. Place chips fruits crackers and small bites close by to facilitate pairing. Make visually separate sections of each type of food to allow guests to pick judicious portions of everything. Label dishes where necessary especially for dietary restrictions. Decor: Add edible flowers herbs micro greens and leafy greens to fill gaps and give the table a lush abundant look. Place napkins eco-friendly plates bamboo cutlery and toothpicks close by.</p>.<p>Variety’s the name of the game Variety is the cornerstone of an appealing grazing table. Consider the occasion and guest preferences and customise. Here are some options to pick from: Cheese and dairy l Brie cheddar blue cheese gouda feta l Cream cheese spreads l Mini mozzarella balls Fruits and veggies l Fresh cut grapes strawberries blueberries apple and orange slices figs l Cherry tomatoes cucumbers baby carrots avocados l Dried apricots cranberries Dips and spreads l Hummus tzatziki guacamole l Pesto olive tapenade mustard l Artisanal chutneys or jams l Blended paneer and spices Breads and crackers l Breadsticks sourdough slices crostini l Multigrain crackers pita triangles l Mini air-fried samosas Sweets and desserts l Macarons brownies dates chocolate bark l Mini cupcakes fruit tarts cookies Nuts seeds and extras l Almonds pistachios walnuts l Olives sun-dried tomatoes</p>.<p>What makes grazing tables a favourite? </p><p>While ease of assembly is the main factor for the host the variety low calories and ease of eating scores for the guests. Visual impact: The rainbow of colours textures and variety makes them Instagram-worthy with guests. It appeals to all your senses and hence encourages you to eat healthy Works every time: Grazing tables work at every type of event - formal or otherwise and everyone loves them. It’s like a child in a toy store. Customisation: Grazing tables can reflect dietary preferences seasons or cultural motifs. Add vegan gluten-free or international options and you’re set to cater to all guests. Chat friendly: Bite-sized food items foster conversation. Guests naturally gather around the table making it a social hotspot. Reduces wastage: Bite-sized portions and reusable platters make for more conscious consumption. Less work: Setting up a grazing board needs very little work and hence turns into a DIY project.</p>
<p>Last week at his company’s annual meet-and-greet event, Rajat Naik, a fresh chartered accountant, working in a prominent finance company, found himself delighted by a table full of nibble-sized foods. As a 23-year-old, Rajat loves food but avoids the regular greasy and heavy stuff, so he was more than happy to try out the different items.</p>.<p>These are grazing tables, the new showstoppers at modern parties, weddings and corporate events. These lavish spreads of bite-sized delights are more than just food – they’re artful layouts of indulgent, fun, healthy and light food items that allow guests to connect, explore and indulge. They also play a lead role in allowing people to try varieties of foods as they engage with others over some banter.</p>.<p><strong>Stunning spread of finger foods</strong></p>.<p>A grazing table is a visually stunning spread of finger foods and bite-sized food items presented on a large table. It requires minimal cooking since most food items are raw or ready-to-use needing just assembly. Ready-to-serve grazing boards that come in boxes with trays are also available complete with cheeses, dips, crackers, nuts, seeds, dry fruits and more.</p>.<p>They are the exact opposite of a structured buffet and hence a hit with all. Think of them as a smorgasbord of cheeses, fruits, seeds, dips, breads, mini desserts and other delicacies, meant to be nibbled on as you chat with guests.</p>.<p>While elaborate lunches and dinners are arranged after some main event, grazing tables function as an event in itself, surrounded by the conversation. They are perfect to encourage mingling and slow eating, especially during cocktail hours, receptions or networking sessions. From intimate home gatherings, engagement ceremonies, birthdays to grand corporate galas, grazing tables are all the rage for their functionality and variety.</p>.<p>Setting a grazing table Your creativity is the limit for designing a grazing table. It is as much about visual storytelling as it is about food. Make it look like a Tuscan countryside or a Mediterranean resort it’s all a play of colours and textures. Here are some tips: Table base: Start with a base of parchment paper or pastel coloured tablecloth on a large table. Use wood boards crates or stands to add dimensions. Use lace boxes trays cups and more. Arrangement: Segregate the larger items like cheese wheels bread loaves and large bowls of dips to one side. Place chips fruits crackers and small bites close by to facilitate pairing. Make visually separate sections of each type of food to allow guests to pick judicious portions of everything. Label dishes where necessary especially for dietary restrictions. Decor: Add edible flowers herbs micro greens and leafy greens to fill gaps and give the table a lush abundant look. Place napkins eco-friendly plates bamboo cutlery and toothpicks close by.</p>.<p>Variety’s the name of the game Variety is the cornerstone of an appealing grazing table. Consider the occasion and guest preferences and customise. Here are some options to pick from: Cheese and dairy l Brie cheddar blue cheese gouda feta l Cream cheese spreads l Mini mozzarella balls Fruits and veggies l Fresh cut grapes strawberries blueberries apple and orange slices figs l Cherry tomatoes cucumbers baby carrots avocados l Dried apricots cranberries Dips and spreads l Hummus tzatziki guacamole l Pesto olive tapenade mustard l Artisanal chutneys or jams l Blended paneer and spices Breads and crackers l Breadsticks sourdough slices crostini l Multigrain crackers pita triangles l Mini air-fried samosas Sweets and desserts l Macarons brownies dates chocolate bark l Mini cupcakes fruit tarts cookies Nuts seeds and extras l Almonds pistachios walnuts l Olives sun-dried tomatoes</p>.<p>What makes grazing tables a favourite? </p><p>While ease of assembly is the main factor for the host the variety low calories and ease of eating scores for the guests. Visual impact: The rainbow of colours textures and variety makes them Instagram-worthy with guests. It appeals to all your senses and hence encourages you to eat healthy Works every time: Grazing tables work at every type of event - formal or otherwise and everyone loves them. It’s like a child in a toy store. Customisation: Grazing tables can reflect dietary preferences seasons or cultural motifs. Add vegan gluten-free or international options and you’re set to cater to all guests. Chat friendly: Bite-sized food items foster conversation. Guests naturally gather around the table making it a social hotspot. Reduces wastage: Bite-sized portions and reusable platters make for more conscious consumption. Less work: Setting up a grazing board needs very little work and hence turns into a DIY project.</p>
