with food, that makes your guests feel like little kids with joy when they walk up to it,” says Vanderplas. Getting started There is no shortage of logistics to consider when incorporating a grazing board or table into your event. Here are some things to keep in mind. Keep it fresh You don’t want a photo snapped halfway through the event with part of the grazing table eaten away. It’s important to keep the table staffed with attendants who can replenish the food and keep the area tidy. Make sure you know who is responsible for this and how often they need to refresh the spread. “You should always have someone physically there cleaning up the table as guests eat [from] it, explaining things, making plates, and picking food up off the floor,” says Vanderplas. (More on that in a bit.) The right environment When having food displayed out in the open, it’s always important to know and abide by federal and state food safety laws. You’ll also want to pay attention to the weather and environmental conditions of the event space and adjust the menu accordingly. “Being aware of the temperature and the placement of each grazing table, especially if it's outdoors, is also important,” says Minninger. “Certain foods may spoil quickly, and others could attract insects.” Vanderplas agrees. “Make sure you select the correct foods that do well in hot outdoor conditions. Do not use cut fruits, but instead use grapes; do not use brie, but instead Parmesan; do not use chocolate, but instead mini brownies,” he recommends. “Make sure to be good at saying ‘no’ to your client; remember, they are not experts on food safety! If you educate them on why you can't have seafood sitting on an outdoor table in July, they will understand. Also, a non-negotiable, regardless of the weather, time of year, or type of food: always protect your food from the sun with an umbrella or tent. I also always have ‘fly helicopters’ on the table over dips and sweets.” Handling different diets The beauty of grazing boards and tables is that guests can choose what they like, making it easier to cater to individual preferences—and to dietary restrictions. Per usual, it’s important to have guests notify you of any allergies and restrictions before the event, so the caterer can separate food or leave it off the table.
Tall, elevated floral arrangements allow guests to see each other from across the table. Event by Jaclyn Watson Events. Photo courtesy JAG Studios
d at a picnic by InterContinental New York Barclay, paired with Veuve Clicquot
re-event: a small office turned into a wonderland filled with candy, cookies, and re departing the event. Photo coutesy Marcia Selden Catering & Events
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SPECIAL EVENTS FALL 2024
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