Are grazing tables good?

From my POV it depends how many you’re expecting and for how long.
My limited attempts at grazing tables (all copied from books I might add) look more stunning than the buffets we usually do . . . until stuff starts disappearing.
On the other hand, catering for different foodies and “I don’t like my foods to touch each other children” means a buffet is easier to set up.
For bigger family/friends occasions I’ve found it easier to have a buffet, with a grazing selection in the middle.

Thanks molly. We were just talking about doing a combination. But, I'm getting caterers in!

I don’t like grazing tables, they look messy to me and I find it difficult to identify the food I like. I do have dodgy vision though!

What is a Grazing table please?
How does it differ from a traditional buffet?
I've not heard the term before.

We have had several lunch time gatherings and had caterers to set them up...they are not cheap but the ones we have had have looked spectacular and much enjoyed by all .involved . I have also done my own grazing table when we have just had 4 or 6 guests ...I have suitable plates and slate boards and they have been lovely ! go for it ...looks super in the photos too !!
..did one for my 80th 4 years ago..

I have encountered two at wakes after funerals and think they are an abomination.
First of all they look pretty when newly laid out but soon degenerate into a dogs breakfast.
How can you “make” your own sandwich/roll or whatever from the bits laid out, hold a plate, and a glass, plus possibly shake hands with people, without making a mess?
I have also noticed how much seems to go to waste.
I have catered in the past and know how much work goes into those delicate but delicious mouthfuls so that they do not go all over your hands or down your front! Mini quiches, mini pork pies, mini beef wellingtons, mini tempura prawns , mini blinis - do you spot a theme?
Finger food should be just that, or, if you prefer (just) fork food ((leaving one hand free for a glass!)
A hog roast/barbecue/buffet/cold meats and salad, are all excellent as long as you can sit or perch to eat it.

You make very good points Maw. I’ve only been to one ‘grazing’ event. The table resembled a dog’s dinner very quickly with everyone diving in and ruining the aesthetics!

I love buffets, but hate grazing tables! As others have said, when items are removed and there are gaps it looks messy. If they are on separate dishes things can be moved around easily. Items in the middle of the table require people to stretch over items on the edges knocking them off, or ending up with grease on your clothes. And, there’s nowhere to put a plate or glass down. No one wants to eat the salad leaves because they have touched the salami, the bread sticks become soggy and someone will always plop the tongs on top of the food, that’s if there are tongs!

After reading your post Gracie I wonder if that’s the secret of them … a small group thing only? A large event makes a right old mess!

Traditional buffet would be my preference for a large gathering. Grazing tables just seem to be buffets without any borders and so my tidy self finds them difficult to appreciate!

I have catered for 30 with a Spanish style tapas, lots of small plates to share. That was fun, and we had interesting meals for a week or so afterwards too. . .

I guess with any self-service catering the secret is to keep replenishing, but that would be for someone else, not the host, to be responsible for. Getting in caterers sounds like a very good idea!

Personally, I love them.
Colourful, different I really don't like the "Grey" buffet. Sandwiches, sausage rolls etc bit boring. Appreciate you can have Hors d'oeuvres style food at a cost as they are more time consuming to make. But all the Grazing table events I have attended have been enjoyable, and different. Various Cheeses, Meats, Breads, nuts, Vegetables, dips etc. Plus they don't have much left over. Or have I haven't notice the table being a mess, as the food is eaten.

I recently went to a Wake where, the Buffet was "Grey" I reckon 60%of the food went in the bin, it was dull and sad looking and I know wasn't cheap.

I have also done a big Ploughman's A Selection of Cold meats, Cheeses and Bread table for about 60 people that works too.

nandad in my experience no one ever eats the salad leaves, no excuse needed!

I've just had a look at some pictures of grazing tables.

Look pretty at the start, but all those fingers delving in - Ugh!

Cows and sheep graze, humans, no.

You can put out a variety of colourful foods Visgirl but on separate plates and dishes, without having them all on one board or platter.

A buffet doesn't have to be grey - if the bread of pastry is grey it must have been rolling around on the floor 😀

I have just done a search on line and think they look awful even before being touched. A buffet can be just as colourful and much easier to serve oneself.
www.bing.com/search?q=grazing+tables&form=ANNTH1&refig=4B44920A1DA94DAAA97226EA2457E542&pc=LCTS

Visgir1

Personally, I love them.
Colourful, different I really don't like the "Grey" buffet. Sandwiches, sausage rolls etc bit boring. Appreciate you can have Hors d'oeuvres style food at a cost as they are more time consuming to make. But all the Grazing table events I have attended have been enjoyable, and different. Various Cheeses, Meats, Breads, nuts, Vegetables, dips etc. Plus they don't have much left over. Or have I haven't notice the table being a mess, as the food is eaten.

I recently went to a Wake where, the Buffet was "Grey" I reckon 60%of the food went in the bin, it was dull and sad looking and I know wasn't cheap.

I have also done a big Ploughman's A Selection of Cold meats, Cheeses and Bread table for about 60 people that works too.

Do you mean “beige”? I hear people discussing beige food but never grey.

I would hate the idea of everyone touching the food to assemble what you want. I have been places and seen people not washing their hands after using the loo or blowing their nose. Grazing tables don’t sound very hygienic to me.

I think they are great for a photo but that is all, they become messy and people touch food that others will be eating. I will not eat form one.

Just looked up what a grazing table is and seen some illustrated and it just looked like a normal buffet to me. What is served is just ordinary cocktail canapes.

Style over substance I reckon.

All of the above plus a lot of the catered ones I've seen are actually a basket full of stuff from Tesco or the Co-op just cut up and made to look fancy. And often weirdly laid out just to look good. Not sure I want strawberry juice leaching it's way into my sausage roll.

Allira

I've just had a look at some pictures of grazing tables.

Look pretty at the start, but all those fingers delving in - Ugh!

Cows and sheep graze, humans, no.

I had a country-style outdoor luncheon during Covid and everything was grazing I suppose but separated into little glass jars for guests to choose from. No fingers!

Lunch I'd prefer a meal, not a grazing table - you asked.

I prefer at home catering, I always prepare too much, pictures of pretty grazing tables appear to be too much food as well. I serve on trays, finger food, then run round changing out trays and plates.

Our daughters have friends round to "graze" -- but only small numbers - maybe 10-15 people. They've purchased special boards and knives. Can all look nice, but messy after a time.

Depends what event I am catering for. A buffet lunch. you need meal sized portions of traditional meal food - salads, cold meat, pies etc.

Canapes are for when you ask a number of people around for drinks and nibbles.

A grazing table must be a nightmare for anyone with allergies or for vegetarians/vegans.

The people we have contacted provide separate food. First question as I am GF.