insideKENT Magazine Issue 118 - February 2022 | Page 88

FOOD + DRINK
LOVE TO GRAZE CONT .
The Art of The Graze Board
Whether it is a wedding table that must include a spread that is the height of sophistication , a more relaxed and intimate social gathering between close friends , a corporate event that needs to impress , or a stay-at-home date night of indulgence , the importance of your grazing table achieving the wow factor will be at the forefront of your mind . Looking up Instagrams , Pintrests and carefully created mood boards of grazing tables can be a little overwhelming and with so much for the senses to take in , knowing where to even start can be difficult .
LOCATION & STYLE
Before attempting to replicate one of these masterpieces , it is important to decode the style , theme and aesthetic of your event . Consider who or what the celebration is for and where it is being held . Perhaps the location is historic or in a rustic countryside spot ; this is important to tie in when it comes to creating your grazing table , as it will emphasize its impact and authenticity . Local foods such as cheeses , locally farmed meats and even cakes , breads and other treats that have been made by local artisan bakers will be the perfect accompaniments to any feast , not to mention tasting delicious and being full of flavour , having been passionately created and travelling only a short journey to reach your table . Complement your spread even further by including local drinks and tipples to match your food .
VISUAL AESTHETICS
The colour palettes , architecture and the interior of the venue , plus your chosen colour theme are also very important factors when it comes to choosing your food and arranging its layout . The ‘ visual flow ’ of the spread is imperative when it comes to satisfying the eye of the beholder , so consider the heights and sizes of your delicacies . Giving your grazing table depth by using crockery such as cake stands , chunky bread boards and other items that will help create an organic tiered effect , will add layers and give the illusion of sheer abundance to your table . Additionally , you can add pops of colour by scattering small delicacies throughout the spread , even something as simple as small bunches of grapes or brightly wrapped sweets can add that extra panache . A centrepiece can also be a great place to start when it comes to design , whether that might be a glorious cake or an eclectic cheeseboard , a pièce de résistance will set you up for success in both the visual beauty and taste appeal departments . Having a variety of sizes when it comes to each individual food piece is also a solid way to ensure visual splendour and aesthetic appeal . For a flowing effect try starting with the larger pieces in the middle and working your way down in size towards the edges , or , if your table is against a wall , line the larger items at the back and get smaller towards the front - it is the simplest of tricks that are the most effective .
Over to the Experts
For the very best grazing tables we recommend using a professional … Or at least consulting their advice .
Providing ‘ lavish grazing feasts and creative catering ’ Plentifull ( www . plentifulllavishgrazing . co . uk ) are specialists in creating stunning grazing tables , luxury buffets , canapés and more . Follow their professional advice below on the best way to emulate their own beautifully styled food yourself , and be sure to achieve a grazing table that has a real je ne sais quoi when it comes to both style and taste .
PLENTIFULL SEA GRAZE
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