FOOD FOR FÊTES
For the past few years, it seems that charcuterie boards of all types have had a grip on the events world, mostly for the better. What started as an elaborate snacking trend has taken several turns—cheese and crackers have been swapped for bread and butter, brunch boards have evolved into specialty waffle boards—until the grazing board reached its most recent development: the grazing table, an opulent display of maximalism that can be adapted to match any celebratory setting. This trend doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon, so it’s time to make sure you’re set up for success. “Regardless of how you may approach grazing tables, it’s an enduring trend that caterers must get on board with sooner rather than later,” stated an article from Catersource . Whether your client wants a simple cured meat and cheese board or a luxurious table overflowing with a variety of seafood items, there’s more to this trend than picking a theme. Here are a few things you need to know. Grazing habits There are many reasons why grazing boards and tables have become an event go-to. For starters, in recent years, event design has tended toward maximalism, providing a stimulating vision for both in-person attendees and those viewing photos and videos of the event on social media. Elaborate grazing tables with unique ingredients and interactive displays bode well for both in-person experiences and online scrolling—and in both cases, this creative array of food is a great reflection of your expertise as an event pro. Grazing boards and tables offer flexibility and room for personalization, a prevailing trend in 2024 (and the predictable future). Clients want every aspect to be an expression of their unique personalities, and grazing tables allow for a curation of food that both fits the client’s tastes and leaves room for a variety of guest preferences. “Grazing boards are definitely a huge trend right now because they're a lot easier to customize than plated dinners,” Danielle Minninger, the Marketing Director of Le Meridien St Louis Clayton, told Special Events . “Couples don't have to worry about selecting one entrée to make everyone happy.”
Grazing boards and tables also encourage conversation among guests, creating a casual, social atmosphere. This conversation is elevated even more when interactive chef stations and service are provided. In an article for BizBash , Kabrel Geller, owner of This Messy Table LA, said that grazing tables are more than a vehicle for serving food—they also act as an art installation and interactive food experience, which increases attendee engagement. “I've found that when This Messy Table is the mainstage food at parties, those parties usually last an hour or two longer than they normally would,” Geller said. “More people tend to be more comfortable in taking how much they want [with a grazing table], whereas when you're doing passed hors d'oeuvres, they can feel stuffy and old school. People might not like to eat as much, even if they want to.” Bountiful offerings Besides the typical charcuterie spread—with preserved meats, a variety of cheeses, and some assortment of bread, crackers, fruit, pickles, spreads, and nuts—there's been a surge of creative board alternatives with untraditional ingredients. Catersource + The Special Event 2022 turned attention to French fry boards, dessert boards, brunch boards, veggie boards, and even a dessert board. Opposite page, top row from left: Grazing tables are a great way to incorporate a client’s brand throughout the feasting experience. Table by and photo courtesy Edenopolis; Grazing tables don’t have to be charcuterie-based—this breakfast table by Edenopolis features bagels and toppings, doughnuts, muffins, croissants, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, and granola. Photo courtesy Edenopolis; A grazing table created by placing charcuterie boards together across a table, with an attendant to oversee guests. Table by and photo courtesy Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton Middle row: Grazing tables can feature different food stations, best overseen by individual chefs, like this carving station by Edenopolis. Photo courtesy Edenopolis; Food and decor displayed at varying heights creates a more stimulating image for the eye. Table by and photo courtesy Edenopolis; Treats of all kinds can end up on a grazing table, like these macarons on a table from Edenopolis. Photo courtesy Edenopolis Bottom row: An ornately crafted table can lend itself to the beauty of the food station. Table by and photo courtesy The Messy Table; Any surface or type of table can become a grazing surface, like these smaller tables pushed together. Table by and photo courtesy Edenopolis; This table is a great example of how food becomes art on a grazing table, with dripping grape clusters and purple cabbage spotted throughout. Table by and photo courtesy The Messy Table
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SPECIAL EVENTS FALL 2024
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