Indulge in a curated grazing board, overflowing with artisanal cheeses, gourmet meats, fresh fruits and savoury nibbles, all thoughtfully arranged on the board of your choice to offer a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s the ultimate party feast for sharing, as each bite is a delicious adventure of textures and flavours, inviting you to gather, graze, and enjoy every moment.
We are fast approaching our 1st anniversary of the new showroom launch where we experienced professional cooking and beautifully curated grazing boards. Our guests chatted and grazed over a glass of bubbly and looked around our beautiful handmade cabinetry and special features.
Grazing boards/tables have gained immense popularity in recent years due to the appeal they give to both hosts and guests alike and we are fond lovers of them. Whether planning a casual gathering or a special celebration, grazing boards offer a delightful, colourful and communal way of dining. The ‘al la carte’ to buffets, and where better to craft this masterpiece than in a well-designed, handmade kitchen?
Planning the right layout and ample prep space with a touch of creativity, your kitchen can be the perfect structure for assembling stunning grazing boards that wow your guests and the team at Planet Furniture can help.
This blog will show you the right tips for creating your magnificent grazing board in your handmade kitchen and how to elevate the experience using the charm and functionality of your kitchen design.
Why are grazing boards so popular for entertaining?
There are many reasons why the grazing board craze is popular. It’s where flavour meets art and delight for the palate.
- Full of visual appeal, grazing boards are beautifully arranged, offering a feast for the eyes. They become an instant centrepiece with a colourful display, capturing attention at events and Instagram-worthy photos.
- Grazing boards cater to different tastes and dietary preferences – there is something for everyone. And with their customisable nature, the boards can be tailored to suit specific themes, seasons, or personal preferences.
- A more relaxed approach to dining where guests can nibble at their leisure.
- Easy to prepare and minimal cooking – just thoughtful assembly. A convenient option for hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
- They are a much healthier and lighter option compared to other party food as they include a variety of fresh ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to nuts and whole grains.
- These boards can be for breakfast, brunch, dinner or dessert – you just choose your party time.
- Serve a crowd with minimal stress and allow the guests to serve themselves.
Your handmade kitchen is the most beautiful backdrop
Handmade kitchens allow you to customise to your desires, leaving you with a hub of the home that has been beautifully curated and the ideal setting for assembling grazing boards. Being truly bespoke you can make the most out of your space with the following ideas.
How ample worktop space can make a difference?
Having lots of worktop space plays a part in how you are going to lay out all your ingredients and craft a visually striking board. Opting for natural stone or a butcher block surface can add warmth and texture. The kitchen island is an excellent spot for setting up the grazing table.
Built-in storage solutions
Custom cabinetry allows you to have the dedicated space needed for serving boards, cheese knives, and serving utensils. Everything is neatly organised and within easy reach.
Good lighting
Good lighting helps you to showcase your grazing board in all its glory to your guests. Under-cabinet lighting or a statement pendant suspended above the island will help make the tasting board glow and bring the perfect ambience to set the scene for your party!
It’s now time to select the board
Get a great foundation for your grazing platter with the right serving surface. Your handmade kitchen can complement the natural beauty of the grazing board with its unique cabinetry style and wooden elements.
Wooden boards
If choosing a wooden board, opt for a high-quality one that mirrors the craftsmanship of your bespoke kitchen. There are plenty of boards to purchase ranging from oak, walnut or bamboo which all add a rustic charm and tie in with your natural wood cabinetry.
Stone & marble slabs
Complement that quartz worktop or stunning marble with a stone or marble board. They act as a cool surface perfect for cheese, charcuterie and fruit.
How do you choose the ingredients?
It’s all about the balance of the ingredients, where combining flavours, textures and colours is an art and producing a spread that’s as visually appealing as delicious.
- Start with a selection of cheeses, they could be a mix of soft cheese (brie, goat cheese), hard (cheddar, Manchego), and blue (stilton, Roquefort) to provide a wide variety to your guests.
- Charcuterie meats are a great choice to add, the different textures allow creation and pattern. Think prosciutto, salami, and cured meats.
- Different fruits and vegetables add colour and brightness to the board. To complement the richness of the cheese add grapes, berries, figs, and sliced apples or pears. Add a crunch with carrot sticks, radishes, cucumber, celery and tomatoes.
- Artisan pieces of bread, sliced baguettes and various crackers act as the base for your cheeses and spreads.
- The spreads can be anything from jams and honey to olives, pickles and dips.
Arranging the ingredients on the board
Use the full functionality of your handmade kitchen to arrange and style your board like a pro.
- Grab those special china small bowls you don’t often use for dips and spreads to break up the flat surface and bring a traditional flair to the party. Arrange the slices of bread and crackers around the bowls for a dynamic look.
- Organise each ingredient. Keep one section for the cheese and the other for the meats and then scatter fruit and nuts throughout each section to create a sense of balance. Make it flow and capture the eyes of your guests!
- Grazing boards are all about colour, so choose bright fruits, dark crackers, and pale cheeses.
- Mix textures – place soft cheese beside crunchy nuts, and smooth salami next to crusty bread.
- Add display stands for height and engagement.
Take advantage of your kitchen design and bring it all together
What makes a handmade kitchen special is that it’s uniquely tailored to your needs and style and is the ultimate backdrop for your grazing board. Take advantage of all your elements.
- If you are lucky enough to have a kitchen island or large prep table, they both can double as the ideal display area. The guests can gather for an interactive dining experience and create new memories.
- Use all your items such as wooden trays, ceramic bowls and linen napkins to echo the natural materials found in your handmade kitchen.
A few grazing board ideas to try
- Classic Charcuterie Board – a balanced mix of meats and cheeses with crackers and olives.
- Mediterranean Mezze – all the Mediterranean traditions like hummus, pita bread, marinated vegetables, olives and grilled halloumi.
- Sweet and Savoury Breakfast – bring all your favourite breakfast items together, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola and small bites like smoked salmon or sliced cheeses.
- Seasonal – entertain throughout the seasons. Autumn brings roasted nuts, figs and spiced meats. Summer brings light cheeses, fresh berries and refreshing dips.
- Sweet Treat – gather all your favourite sweets, chocolates, cakes and biscuits to provide a dessert table for birthday parties or Christmas gatherings. Perfect for anyone who loves a little something sweet.
Experience the love of grazing boards
Grazing boards are a taste adventure, they are more than just a meal, a time when you can gather with friends and family and create an intimate dinner party.
A gourmet experience can be created right in the middle of your handmade kitchen, a memorable dining experience that is as much about the environment as it is about the food. You can utilise all of the custom features from durable and spacious worktops to beautiful handmade cabinetry. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal event you are hosting, a well-curated grazing board allows you to bring your culinary creativity with the functions of a handmade kitchen.
