Why Grazing Boards Are The Perfect Solution For Your Event

Concerto Catering
Jun 25
5 min read

Once a humble cheeseboard, the grazing board has taken centre stage in the world of modern entertaining. These vibrant, bountiful displays have evolved far beyond their roots, drawing influence from time-honoured European traditions - think French picnics, Spanish tapas, and Italian antipasti. Now elevated into show-stopping tables and artisan boards, grazing has become one of the most sought-after catering trends across the UK, and with good reason.

Whether you’re hosting a wedding reception, corporate do, baby shower or birthday bash, grazing boards tick every box. At Concerto Catering, they’ve become one of our most requested services - and it’s easy to see why.

Let’s explore why grazing boards are the perfect catering solution for your event.

halloween themed grazing board decorated with carved pumpkin and spooky decorations — Part of Halloween-themed grazing board, by Concerto Catering for a corporate party in Bromley

A Delicious Tradition, Reimagined

The concept of communal feasting isn’t new. Across cultures and centuries, people have gathered over shared platters. From Middle Eastern mezze to Italian antipasto and even Scandinavian smörgåsbords, the idea of leisurely grazing on a variety of small bites has long been a part of social dining.

Today’s grazing boards are a modern reinvention of this ancient concept, brought to life with contemporary presentation and an ever-growing choice of ingredients. Their rise in popularity has been particularly explosive in countries like Australia and New Zealand, where elaborate grazing tables have become a visual and culinary staple at events.

Now embraced across the UK, grazing has become synonymous with fuss-free luxury, effortlessly combining flavour, flair and flexibility.

A colourful grazing of snacks on a wooden table includes crackers, dips, meats, cheese, pastries, and fruits, creating a festive atmosphere.

A Feast for the Eyes (and the Tastebuds)

Grazing boards are not just food - they’re a visual experience.

Beautifully arranged with colour, texture, and height in mind, these edible displays draw guests in from the moment they arrive. Think cascading cheeses, shimmering charcuterie, juicy berries, rustic breads, homemade chutneys, and vibrant vegetables - all artfully assembled into a table or board that looks like it belongs in a magazine.

And the best part? They taste as good as they look. Every element is chosen not only for its appearance but also for its flavour and balance. From bold cheeses to delicate fruits, punchy pickles to indulgent chocolate shards, our boards deliver both spectacle and substance.

Charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, fruits, nuts, and pickles on a rustic wooden table. Greenery in the background creates a fresh ambiance.

Something for Everyone with a Grazing Board

One of the greatest strengths of a grazing board is its inclusivity. Whether your guests are meat lovers, vegetarians, or following a gluten-free or plant-based diet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Unlike fixed-set menus or plated meals, grazing allows guests to pick and choose what they fancy - ideal for parties where dietary preferences vary. You can expect a careful mix of:

Cheeses (hard, soft, blue, and dairy-free alternatives)
Charcuterie and cured meats
Fresh and dried fruits
Breads, crackers, and gluten-free options
Nuts, seeds, and dips
Sweet treats and desserts
Fresh herbs and edible flowers for garnish

We’ll work with you to tailor your board to suit your guest list, themes, and seasonal ingredients—ensuring no one leaves hungry.

A vibrant buffet with prawns, pastries, quiche, and dips, set on wooden boards. Candles and fresh veggies add warmth and colour.

Grazing Board = A Social Centrepiece

Grazing boards do more than feed your guests - they bring them together.

There’s something inherently sociable about sharing food from a central table. People gather, mingle, chat, and interact as they nibble, creating a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. There’s no formal seating, no waiting for courses to be served - just the joy of shared bites and spontaneous conversation.

A grazing table acts as a natural hub for your event, breaking the ice and encouraging guests to explore. It also frees you from rigid catering schedules or awkward food queues. Guests can graze at their own pace, whenever they’re ready.

Charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, olives, and tomatoes on wood. Bread and pastries in the background. Vibrant and appetizing display for an event.

4. Effortless Elegance

Let’s face it - planning an event is hard work. Grazing boards take the stress out of feeding a crowd, offering maximum impact with minimal fuss.

At Concerto Catering, we handle everything from sourcing the finest ingredients to designing and styling your board or table. Whether it's a small spread for 10 or a grand grazing table for 100, everything arrives beautifully pre-arranged and ready to serve. No cooking, plating, or kitchen chaos - just a seamless, sophisticated solution that leaves you free to enjoy your own event.

Our grazers are also easy to dress up or down, depending on the vibe. From rustic boards with foliage and burlap to glamorous tables with candles, edible flowers, and bespoke signage—we’ll bring your vision to life.

Lavish buffet table with assorted breads, meats, cheeses, fruits, and dips. Candles lit in the background create a warm ambiance. event catering bromley

Scalable to Suit Any Occasion

Grazing is one of the most flexible catering formats out there. It can be scaled up or down to suit events of any size, making it perfect for:

Weddings – Elegant tables with a ‘help yourself’ charm
Corporate events – Professional but relaxed, great for networking
Birthday parties – Crowd-pleasers for all ages
Baby showers – Soft, pastel-themed brunch grazers
Seasonal celebrations – Christmas tables, Easter brunch, Halloween spreads

You can even theme your grazer to suit the occasion. Mediterranean meze? Check. Rainbow-themed kids’ party? Absolutely. Brunch with croissants and pastries? Done. Afternoon tea with scones, fruit, and cakes? Yes please. Themed boards offer a fun and creative way to personalise your event, while still keeping the catering effortless.

A gourmet spread with various cheeses, nuts, fruits, and chutney on wooden platters. Bowls of olives and pickled items add colour. Grazing board.

Dress It Up, Make It Yours

Another reason grazing boards are so popular? They’re easy to personalise.

We love incorporating details that make your board uniquely yours. This could be edible flowers, mini pumpkins for autumn events, printed menus or signs, or even branded napkins. We’ve designed harvest-themed grazers, Halloween tables, pink-and-gold baby shower boards - you name it.

You can also choose between a grazing board (typically served on large wooden boards or slates) or a grazing table (a sprawling, table-top display with props, levels, and styling). Both offer impact; the choice just depends on your space and guest numbers.

Cheese and grape grazing platter arranged like a Christmas tree, with red peppers, rosemary sprigs, and a small cup of chutney on a black tray. — Our stunning Christmas Tree grazer! Suitable for veggies (also available with charcuterie meats)

Year-Round Entertaining, Sorted

Unlike seasonal menus or BBQs, grazing boards work beautifully all year round. In the spring and summer, they burst with fresh produce, zesty dips, and sunshine flavours. Come autumn and winter, they evolve into heartier spreads with rich cheeses, figs, nuts, and festive treats.

Whatever the weather or time of year, a grazer feels just right. And because there’s no fixed format, they can be tailored to the season in both look and taste.

Why Concerto Catering?

At Concerto Catering, we’ve perfected the art of the grazer. Every board or table is handcrafted with passion, precision, and a deep love of food. We combine seasonal ingredients with imaginative styling, ensuring every event is memorable for all the right reasons.

Our customers return time and again for our graze boards - and once you’ve had one at your event, you’ll understand why.

We believe great food should not only taste amazing but bring people together in a way that feels natural, joyful, and a little bit special.

Ready to wow your guests with a Grazing Board?

Whether you're planning a relaxed brunch, a stylish soirée, or an all-out celebration, our grazing boards and tables are the perfect catering solution.