Ultimate Guide to Creating Grazing Tables for Your Corporate Event

Ultimate Guide to Creating Grazing Tables for Your Corporate Event

With so many catering styles to choose from, picking the best one for your event can be difficult. 

Grazing tables are just one of these many choices, with an aim to make an impact on any event. Find out how to craft the perfect grazing table right here. 

What is a grazing table?

A grazing table is typically recognised as a strategically-crafted display of various foods arranged carefully and artfully on a table or board.

The board will usually include a generous variety of tastes and flavours, including meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and other items that guests can pick and choose from. 

Incorporating a grazing table into your corporate event is the perfect way to allow guests to choose which foods they wish to eat, creating the perfect blend of foods for them. The added bonus, of course, is a mix-and-match selection with endless combinations.  

What's the difference between a grazing table and a buffet?

Though similar, there are some distinct differences between a grazing table and a buffet. 

Buffets are usually a selection of foods spread nicely across a table - sounds identical to a grazing table, right? With a buffet, however, there is generally seating to return to once you have made your food choices. 

With a grazing table, the food displayed is designed to be eaten standing up, allowing ample opportunity for socialising in any location. Depending on your budget, you can have any type of food at a grazing table.

Cheese, fruit and charcuterie boards are popular choices for grazing tables, providing a wide range of options for any guest. You should also look to consider further options such as bread, dips, bread sticks, crackers, raw veggies, condiments, bite-sized finger sandwiches, sweet treats, pretzels, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and olives.

Planning and Preparation

To plan a successful grazing table for your next corporate event, you need to consider a few details that will optimise the guest’s experience as well as cater for everybody attending and stick within your budget.

Here are five tips to help you with planning a grazing table. 

• Determine the size and scope of the table
• Plan the menu
• Set a budget
• Plan for presentation
• Be mindful of food safety

All professional corporate catering services should know how to display a grazing table to cater sensibly for all dietary requirements. You should keep in mind those that may be vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, dairy-free, gluten-free and any food allergies. 

All food included in a grazing table’s display should be suitable to be kept at room temperature for a significant period of time. 

Setting Up and Styling the Table

To style the table aesthetically pleasing, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a large board or table to display your food and drinks.
• Arrange the food in groups, such as meats, cheeses, and fruits.
• Use different heights and levels to create visual interest.
• Add elements such as flowers, candles, and greenery to add colour and texture.

Adding a variety of flavours, textures, and visual aspects helps keep your event exciting and entices guests to indulge in your catering. 

Tips for Making Your Grazing Table Stand Out

Below are a few more tips to consider to push your catering further beyond the rest. 

• Use a variety of different types of boards or platters for displaying the food.
• Use edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and colour.
• Add a DIY station, such as a DIY crostini or DIY charcuterie board station, to allow guests to create their own perfect bites.
• Incorporate a theme into your table, such as a Mediterranean or an autumn-inspired theme.

Sustainable Corporate Catering Service From Green Bike Food Co. 

If you are looking for a unique and customisable catering solution to enhance your next corporate event, look no further than the Green Bike Food Company.

We are a sustainable corporate catering company serving the Thames Valley and surrounding areas with delicious and healthy catering. Get in touch today to learn more about what we can offer.