How to build a pairing charcuterie grazing table like the pros
Where the love of grazing started.
It all started with a “plate of things.” From a young age, I was introduced to the love of pairing different foods to create little magical bites. When I was about 6 years old, my favorite snack that my mom made was locally known as a “plate of things.” It was essentially a paper plate filled with a bunch of random kid-friendly things. Think graham crackers, raisins, marshmallows, goldfish, cheese cubes, grapes, and chocolate chips. When it was “plate of things” night, we knew we were in for a good time.
Fast forward about 30 years, add a brewery and a taproom, and the kid-centric “plate of things” turned into a more refined pairing-centric charcuterie grazing board. But when you think about it, the principal remains the same. A properly-dressed grazing table is a foodie’s dream to mix and match flavors and textures to create something new – something that’s not on the board (or plate) already, something that has never existed before.
What is the purpose of this article?
The purpose of this article is to help you plan, strategize and configure a charcuterie grazing table for a special event. The larger the event, the more prep and planning that needs to go into it. But even with smaller events, it’s important to think through what you want your guests to experience and how you want them to experience it.
At Off Main Brewing, we love planning and assembling charcuterie grazing tables around the idea of pairings. As a brewery that has a local taproom, we delight in creating bite size moments that perfectly pair with our hand made craft beer and local wines. I mean, does it get any better?
What this article does not cover.
This article is not meant to be a tutorial for selecting ingredients, sourcing, or intricate charcuterie board assembly. While important information, we’ll cover that in a future article. This article is truly centered around understanding how to plan for and build the best charcuterie grazing table for events, parties, gatherings, and the like.
The basics of a grazing table:
First things first, let’s start with the basic facts. When I build a grazing table, the first things I ask about are:
Guest count
Time of day (will this be a meal or a snack)
General vibe of the event (casual, elevated, etc)
If you’re taking the Off Main Brewing approach and creating a pairing-centric grazing board, take time to identify which beers and/or wines you’d like to feature as the stars of your pairing board.
Map out the following:
Types and number of unique beers. We highly encourage you to source some of your beers from local craft breweries (like ours) near you. In doing this, you're helping to support your local community while providing your guests with something local that they may not have yet tried.
Types and number of unique wines. Ideally, this should match the number of beers so that each bite has a beer and a wine pairing available. It's fun to try the bite with a sip of beer and then the same bite with a sip of wine, comparing how they're similar or different.
Number of “bites” or moments you’d like to have on your grazing table.
We like to suggest at least one beer and wine that goes with each bite or “moment” on the grazing table. For example, if you’re going to have a classic prosciutto, brie, and fig jam bite you would want to have a beer and wine to compliment it. We’ll go into pairing recommendations in a future post, but if you’re in need of some advice now, give these tried-and-true pairing books a try:
Creating The Vision.
Once you have the basics nailed down and you have a plan for how many pairing stations you’d like to have and what you’d like to feature on them, I like to sketch out how it will be brought to life on the table(s) – taking into consideration size of table, size of platters and other vessels for food presentation. I like to sketch the loose idea on paper and then get technical with critical elements.
This was my first grazing table sketch - I still swear by this process.
When strategizing your grazing table keep these critical elements in mind:
Height: In my opinion, creating a bit of height on your grazing table helps prevent it from looking like you just threw a bunch of stuff on the table. Height can be created with things like:
Shelves turned upside down used to display trays:
These modern shelves can be turned on their legs to create sleek and clean flat surfaces for grazing table essentials, mini jam jars, truffles, and crostini.
These rustic shelves are perfect for creating a little romance on the grazing table. They add both function and character, further creating an appealing aesthetic.
Large vases of flowers or green stems. If going this route, make sure not to use something that sheds onto the food below. Also, ensure that your vase is setting on flat surface away from where it could be bumped by a wayward elbow so you don't end up with soggy charcuterie.
Small decorative crates that can be used to prop up platters and elevate the display shelves. These come in a variety of sizes and styles. They're modular and can be used in so many ways.
Multi-tier stands take any grazing table up a notch. They create height, dimension, and can be used to suggest the order in which the elements of a bite should come together. These are some of my favorites. The best part is they can be mixed and matched for a curated look.
Layers
Similar to dimension, creating layers with the table coverings, runners, chargers, trays, food items and greens can create a seamless and artfully-designed grazing table. These are some of my personal favorite items that help create layers on a charcuterie grazing table.
Butcher paper or similar product to cover the surface of the table. Use tape to secure it on the bottom side of the table for a seamless look. This protects the surface while providing a food safe surface for any items that may be displayed on the table directly.
Next, cover the butcher paper with artfully laid out table runners. Take note where platters, stands, and the like will go. These boho rustic table runners come in many colors and are perfect for creating a romantic grazing table.
I also love to layer unique and complimentary placements over the tablecloths to anchor and accent the platters and lazy Susan boards.
By adding height and layers to your table, you’re instantly creating thoughtful dimension that presents an artistic yet functional grazing table.
Points of curiosity: When planning my grazing tables, I also think about fostering points of curiosity. After all, one of the best parts (if not THE best part) of a massive grazing table is being delighted with curiosity and imagination while building mini-tasting experiences and flavor explosions. I try to cultivate these points of curiosity by doing the following:
Presenting common things in new ways. For example, instead of laying out the charcuterie crackers and bread sticks in a river-like format, try standing them up on end in smaller vases, caddies, or hurricane candle holders.
A benefit of using candle holders and vases as serving vessels is that they can serve dual purposes depending on the needs of the grazing table.
Another tip is to place unexpected items next to one another on each of the tasting “moments” and offer hard-to-find, local, or handmade food items that pop off the table.
I also love adding things to my grazing tables that are less common to charcuterie boards. For example, one of my favorite elements to add to a grazing table is a well-presented spicy bruschetta. It’s easy to make, fresh, and adds a gorgeous pop of color to the table.
Get the goods - but not too many.
Are you asking yourself, "How much meat and cheese should I buy for my grazing table?" You're not alone. That's one of the trickier parts of building grazing tables in the beginning. After all, a grazing table isn’t a grazing table without the actual nibbles to graze. We can write an entire post on this, but in our experience, this is the general rule of thumb I've found to work well for grazing tables.
Guest count: First, we take our total number of guests. Let’s say we’re hosting 50 guests at our house for a birthday party.
Pairing “moments”: Next, take the number of pairing “moments” you have on your grazing table. Let’s say we have 7 unique tasting experiences. This is important to note because we want to make sure each guest can try each bite at least twice. List out the types of food items for each. We’ll need this later.
Approximate servings based on type of food: We’ve found these averages work pretty well for large grazing tables at parties where the grazing table is the main food offered:
4 oz. meat
4 oz. bread/cracker
5 oz. cheese
6 oz. fruit
4 fl oz. jam/honey
3 oz. veggies
2 oz. pickled item
1 oz. nuts
2 oz. sweet treat
Put it all together: This is where a little fancy math footwork comes in. Take your 50 guests and multiply the average for each type of food listed above. For 50 people, we’ll need 200 oz. of meat. Then divide this by the number of meats you need for your pairing moments. For example, if 4 of the 7 moments have a meat, then divide 200 oz by 4 to get 50 oz of each individual meat needed for your grazing table. Then apply this math to the rest of the food items. Taking the time to do this will help prevent over or under-buying. No one likes to waste money, or worse, be hangry party guests.
Logistics and getting it done.
Setting the stage: Okay, so we have our sketch done. We have a plan and now it’s time to add the items needed to bring it to life.
Protect the surface.
First things first, you’ll want to protect the surface of whatever surface you’re building your grazing table on. Common ways to do this are with linens, parchment paper or butcher paper. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s food safe as you’ll likely be displaying food on it in one way or another. This is the butcher paper we use – it also doubles for our tailgating bbqs and rustic gift wrap perfectly!
One of the easiest ways to create a professional looking grazing board it to use a variety of platters that your pairing experiences will be placed on. This helps prevent it from looking like a table with food all over it. It creates spaces between the bites, and helps establish a flow pattern for the tasting. These are some of my favorite items to use on grazing boards.
Bread Baskets.
You can't go wrong with a quality set of modern bread baskets on your grazing table. They can be used for more than bread. Use them to display fruit, crackers, whole vegetables, or other essentials.
Cheese boards.
Having quality marble or slate cheeseboards is essential to a polished grazing table. They each have their own benefits. If going with a slate cheeseboard, you may also have room to write on it with a food safe marker, noting the cheese displayed.
Another way to add visual interest and functionality to your grazing table is with olive plates or boats. These do not just have to be used for olives, but could be sued for other juicy fruits, marinated cheeses, or items that you want near a pairing moment, but don't want the juices to spill over and touch the other items.
Lazy Susan Turntable Platters.
Another critical (in my opinion) addition to your charcuterie grazing table is a lazy Susan platter. These turn table platters make it easy for guests to grab items for their pairings, and they add a dose of interaction with the table. These are some of the lazy Susan serving platters I have used on our grazing tables.
Classic wooden lazy Susan turntable comes in several sizes, allowing you to coordinate your grazing table with similar style platters, if that's the desired look.
A tiered lazy Susan display stand combines the best of both a tiered stand and a lazy Susan. It can be used to arrange small dishes of nuts, pickled vegetables, and olives. Or it could be used for utensils and extras.
When selecting a lazy susan stand or platter to place food on, be sure it's a food safe paint and surface. If it's not and you still want to use it because it's just too perfect not to use and fits the space the way you want it to, you can cut rounds of parchment paper or saran wrap and wrap the stand in it to protect the stand and the guest.
Also, it helps to select a stand that has a non-slip sturdy bottom to avoid spills and mishaps. This white beaded farmhouse lazy susan display stand is both aesthetically-pleasing and gets great reviews.
At the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with a classic well made white marble lazy Susan turntable for food display. These are a core component in every single grazing table I create. They are so incredibly versatile and look great in every setting.
Chargers as anchors.
Acrylic chargers for layering. Another great way to build layers on your grazing table is with acrylic chargers. These can be placed underneath smaller dishes and platters. They can also be used to anchor vases, caddies, and other vessels that hold utensils or food items. They're normally pretty cost effective and can be used in a variety of ways, making them a good investment when building a grazing table.
Serving bowls.
If you have something like a bruschetta, salad or similar item, consider displaying it in a footed crystal serving bowl. It allows the guests to clearly see what is in the dish and you as the host to see when it may need to be refilled. Plus, you can never go wrong with a pretty crystal dish. It's always timeless and can fit nearly any aesthetic.
You'll have other items that will need to be placed in a bowl. I've found that simple modern white serving bowls with clean lines and an angle work well and are extremely versatile.
For more of a statement, consider an antique hand-carved serving bowl like this one below. They add visual interest and character to your grazing board.
To inform your guests what things are and what beers and wines pair with which bite, we recommend some simple on-theme picks or small frames with hand-written descriptions.
Decorative dishes for candy, nuts, and mints.
Add a touch of whimsy and novelty with pretty candy and nut dishes and small apothecary jars. I recommend clear glass or crystal for these so guests can see the contents of the jars without taking off the lid. For extra fun, cluster 3 or more together for a mini candy buffet.
Safety precautions for your grazing table.
If your food needs to be served cold (shrimp cocktail), keep that in mind as you prep to assemble your table. Make sure you have things like the following to use as needed:
No grazing table is complete without a good soft cheese. Warm your brie cheese on a cheese warmer like this for added interest and functionality. This also makes a great gift for a charcuterie or entertaining lover! Add a block of brie and a bottle of vino, and you've got yourself a perfect hostess gift!
Cold serving dishes with built-in ice bowls are perfect for dressings, salsas, guacamole, garnishes and other items that need to be kept cool. And when the keep-cool function is not needed, you can repurpose the stainless steel bowls as small serving bowls.
Alternatively, a cooling mat is perfect for food items that need to be kept cool that will be placed directly on the covered surface.
While some food needs to be kept cool, other food items need to be kept warm while still be presented according to the vision on the grazing table. These food warming mats allow you to use your flat surface while keeping items warm.
For something a little more substantial, consider an electric warming tray that has a built-in low-med-high thermostat and a hard surface. I love how this one has handles and a pretty white and gold modern design. This is another perfect gift idea for the entertainer in your life!
Serving execution.
Now that the hard part is behind you, let’s focus on how your guests will serve themselves. As grazing tables are designed to be self-service, it’s important to make sure you have proper serving utensils to keep things as sanitary as possible. Some of our top go-tos are the following:
Cheese Knives
Critical to any professional grazing board are the proper utensils. Cheese knives are important for charcuterie grazing boards because they make it easier to handle and serve different types of cheese. Using the right knife for each type of cheese helps in maintaining its presentation. A clean cut can enhance the visual appeal of the cheese on the board, making it look more appetizing.
This magnetic cheese knife set is perfect for charcuterie grazing boards. With a modern design, easy storage, and quick clean-up - they're elegant and fun to use.
If you're looking for something slightly more unique and romantic in style, I would recommend these pearl handle cheese knives. They're durable, sturdy, and beautiful. You really can't go wrong with these!
Mini disposable forks and spoons
Disposable charcuterie forks are a practical and stylish tool for serving and enjoying the diverse items on a grazing board, enhancing both the functionality and presentation of your spread. They're also super handy for picking up and serving small pieces of cheese, cured meats, and other bite-sized items. They allow guests to grab and enjoy items without needing to use their fingers, which is more hygienic and convenient. Plus, the disposable nature of them makes for a quick clean-up for you!
Acrylic plates for easy self-assisted cleanup.
When hosting an event, stylish disposable plates are both practical and elegant. They simplify cleanup, letting you enjoy the occasion without the stress of washing up. Choose plates with beautiful designs and finishes to enhance your grazing table’s presentation and match your theme. They come in various sizes and shapes, perfect for serving different types of food, and make it easy to accommodate all your guests. Pretty, disposable plates combine convenience with sophistication, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.
Charcuterie cups
First and foremost, convenience is key. Disposable charcuterie cups allow guests to easily serve themselves and enjoy a variety of items—think cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments—without the hassle of juggling plates and utensils. They make mingling and sampling much more enjoyable, as guests can savor their selections with ease while engaging in conversation.
Elegance doesn’t have to be sacrificed for practicality. Choose cups with sophisticated designs or elegant finishes to complement your event’s theme. These lovely touches will enhance the overall presentation of your grazing table and add a touch of refinement to the experience.
Additionally, these cups help keep the grazing table tidy. They minimize the need for constant refilling and allow for a neat, organized display, ensuring that your spread remains inviting and visually appealing throughout the event.
In essence, disposable charcuterie cups offer a perfect blend of convenience, style, and organization, making your event not only more enjoyable for your guests but also effortlessly chic.
Take away charcuterie boxes
These to-go charcuterie boxes are perfect for ensuring there’s no waste of food and goodies at the end of the event. It’s a win-win for both the host and the event guests. These typically run pretty small, so make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing, ensuring it will fit your needs.
Tongs and serving utensils - to keep things as sanitary as possible.
Fun on-theme napkins
Who doesn't love a perfectly paired cocktail napkin at a party? Here are a few favorites for inspiration! But Amazon has tons of options - as does your local party shop.
But don’t forget the whimsy of it all! Adding to the curiosity and unexpected bits of novelty, be sure to include some of these useful and fun goodies:
Classic drink dispenser
First, let’s talk about aesthetics. A vintage crystal dispenser exudes sophistication and charm, making it a stunning centerpiece for your drink station. Its intricate design and shimmering clarity enhance the overall ambiance of your event, adding a touch of luxury and refinement.
Practicality is another key advantage. This type of dispenser allows for easy self-service, enabling guests to pour their own beverages with ease. It reduces the need for constant refilling and allows you to serve a large number of guests efficiently, all while keeping the drink area organized and attractive.
Additionally, a crystal drink dispenser helps maintain the temperature of your beverages. Whether you're serving refreshing iced tea or a chilled spiked punch, the dispenser is designed to keep drinks cool and inviting throughout the event.
In essence, a vintage crystal drink dispenser combines elegance with functionality, elevating your event's presentation while providing a practical solution for serving drinks. It’s a perfect way to impress your guests and ensure they enjoy their beverages in style.
Chocolate fountain
One of my most favorite elements of an interactive grazing table is a nostalgic chocolate fountain like this one below. It's easy to use and can be used for a variety of purposes. From chocolate to queso, the 32 oz. fountain makes sampling, customizing and engaging with food in a unique way fun for guests and functional for hosts.
Adorable honey jar
No grazing table is complete without honey. And what better way to display and serve your honey than with an adorable crystal honey jar? These two jars are so pretty to look at, fun to use, and add an element of whimsy and imagination to your grazing table.
Mini jam jars – everyone loves these! I would recommend getting a variety of flavors to create even more tasting magic. You really can't go wrong with Bonne Maman Assorted Preserves. They're perfect for charcuterie boards and grazing tables.
Mustard jars
Similar to individual jam jars, tiny mustard jars are both fun and functional. They reduce overall waste and add to the novelty of the grazing board.
Dinner mints
Pastel butter mints are a timeless way to end a celebratory meal. These butter mints remind me of my grandma – and are so delicious! For every birthday gathering, she would make a tiny dessert cup with butter mints and m&m’s and place it next to each place setting. These are whimsical and pretty served in a crystal candy dish or apothecary jar.
Themed picks and toppers
Celebrating something special with your grazing board table? Don’t forget the fun on-theme extras – like these picks! They can be placed on some of the desserts, a cheese, fruit, etc. I would also recommend placing a group of them in a small vase, votive candle holder, or other caddy that makes them easy to grab and use.
Setup Tips:
Purchasing food items: I prefer to purchase non-produce items online through the local grocery store app. These apps usually will breakdown the cost/oz of items, making it easy to compare seemingly similar products. It always helps me to stay on track, get what I need per my math, and not get sucked into impulse buying or overspending. It also makes it really convenient for future orders to pull up an old order and duplicate it.
Time management: There is definitely a learning curve to this piece. The first time I went to build a grazing table it took way longer than I expected. Now, I prep whatever I can ahead of time and leave the assembly of the table for the end. This works especially well for any skewers you might be building. Those do take time to put together, so it’s helpful to have those pre-assembled and stored in the refrigerator until go-time.
Friend: Along the same lines, it is helpful to have a partner handy to help with the quick assembly. This is another reason why I love having a sketch of the table that I can share with the helping friend. It makes sure things move quickly and smoothly, and that we’re working toward a common end vision.
Refreshments: You definitely need a good beer or wine to celebrate the completion of your gorgeous grazing table! Cheers, babe!
I hope these tips and tricks to build a charcuterie grazing table like a professional were helpful to you! Feel free to send us a DM or email cheers@offmainbrewing.com if you have any questions. I’d be happy to try to answer them. And in the meantime, don’t forget to follow Off Main Brewing on Instagram to be inspired by all the fun that’s happening at Off Main Brewing!