\n<\/p>\n
At its best, a grazing table is the Disneyland of charcuterie boards and snack plates, but instead of Space Mountain and the Matterhorn you have a cascade of seeded crackers and sliced salami. Much like the happiest place on earth<\/a>, a well-made grazing table has a clear theme, compelling attractions, and a few adults insistent on never leaving. It should be curated, delicious, and\u2014above all else\u2014fun.<\/p>\n Of course, this isn\u2019t always the case. A good chunk of my grazing table experiences have been at funerals, school conferences, and airport lounges\u2014none of which evoked much culinary wonder. Those tables were more Bright Star Adventure Park<\/a> than Magic Kingdom.<\/p>\n That said, I\u2019ve got a good eye for what does and, more importantly, does not<\/em> belong on your next grazing table thanks to some cooking experience (and the advice of some coworkers with catering savvy).<\/p>\n A grazing table is an assortment of snackable foods on a single table commonly found at social gatherings and special occasions.<\/strong> The name is aspirational in that it suggests you\u2019ll return to the table to \u201cgraze\u201d on different bites throughout the party. However, if the snacks are bad<\/em> and the layout is unwelcoming, these tables can become well-furnished compost piles. (I\u2019m here to help you avoid both of these situations.)<\/p>\n Cheese, crackers, cured meats, shellfish, bread and spreads, crudites\u2014you\u2019ll typically find at least one of these things on a grazing table. However, your table should be filled with whatever you and your guests enjoy eating. In an ideal world, my table would be filled with shrimp cocktail, oysters, caviar, and lobster. Put plainly: When choosing your recipes, always prioritize flavor over fashion.<\/p>\n First, pick out your table<\/strong>. You need to know how much real estate you\u2019ve got for snacking and decor. Second, consider your palate<\/strong>. Again, it\u2019s your party, so serve whatever you want. If that means (for some reason) building out a table filled with popcorn, anchovies, and chocolate bars, so be it. Third, select plates that you think best present your snacks.<\/strong> There\u2019s a lot of subjectivity here, so stick to your gut. Fourth, choose something to protect your table that matches the aesthetic you\u2019ve built out.<\/strong> This could be anything from a linen tablecloth to a stack of old newspapers.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a short list: plastic food, propaganda, dirty laundry, sawdust, your diary.<\/p>\n
\nWhat Is A Grazing Table?<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s Served On A Grazing Table?<\/h2>\n
How To Set Up A Grazing Table<\/h2>\n
What Not To Put On A Grazing Table<\/h2>\n
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