Throwing a party this fall? Here's an easy tutorial to help you put together the ultimate fall grazing table - perfect for any gathering!
Fall is a lovely time to gather friends and family around the table for a warm, hearty meal.
Whether you're throwing a casual get-together or an elegant affair, grazing tables are the perfect way to feed guests in a way that allows them to still mix and mingle effortlessly.
What is a grazing table?
A grazing table is simply a table filled with different food that allows guests to "graze" throughout the event.
Unlike a buffet, which has several specific dishes lined up next to each other, a grazing table has a variety of foods mixing and mingling in one big display. It's like a charcuterie and cheese board to the extreme.
There is no right or wrong way to laying out a grazing table. The fun part is that there are no rules, and you can use your creativity to make it your own!
What You Need to Put Together The Ultimate Fall Grazing Table
To put together the ultimate fall grazing table, you don't need fancy china (do people really still use those?) or matching sets of linens. You just need a few basics that are in decent shape:
- Tablecloth OR use butcher paper to cover tables
- Cheese boards of various sizes, woods, and types
- Small bowls to hold dips, sauces, and small food that might otherwise roll off the board or food that should be served in its own juices (i.e. olives, marinated peppers)
- Variety of serving plates
- Cake stands to help add height and volume to the display
- Variety of serving utensils
- Mix and match sets of plates and utensils
- Fresh flowers, either from your garden or store-bought
What food should I include in a fall grazing table?
Make the most of seasonal produce and meats by featuring them prominently in various parts of your table display. Then fill in with crackers, cheeses, nuts, and dips.
Here are some lists to get you started!
Meat
- Prosciutto
- Salami (many different kinds if you wish!)
- Turkey slices
- Pepperoni slices
- Spanish jamon
If you're feeling extra fancy, add on a rillette, patê, and/or a terrine that guests can spread onto crackers or baguette slices.
Fall Fruits
Early fall is a great time to use up the last of the late summer fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Once fall is well underway, consider these seasonal fruits for your grazing table:
- Apples (try one of these delicious fall apple recipes!)
- Pears
- Grapes
- Figs
- Olives
- Pomegranates
Pomegranate halves also make gorgeous decorations when set in-between food on a grazing table!
Fall Vegetables
Fall vegetables are among some of my favorite. They're crunchy and hearty, perfect for soups and stews, but also delicious roasted and enjoyed on their own. These are some delicious fall vegetables that would be beautiful additions to your fall grazing table:
- Tomatoes (technically a fruit, but we use them as vegetables in the culinary world)
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Sweet Potatoes
- Celery
- Mushrooms
- Squash
- Marinated peppers and artichokes
Cheeses
Being dairy-free, I always include both full dairy cheese options and dairy-free cheese options on my charcuterie boards and grazing tables.
- Marinated feta cheese
- One hard cheese, like Gruyere or Parmesan Reggiano
- A wheel of soft cheese, such as brie or goat cheese
- Sliced cheese, like pre-sliced provolone, havarti, cheddar, or Swiss cheese
- Dairy-Free mozzarella
- Dairy-free havarti style wedge
- Vegan queso dip (I am working on getting this recipe up next month!)
Carbs & Nuts
- Crackers
- Baguette slices
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Breadsticks
Dips & Condiments
Sweets
And of course, the ultimate fall grazing table isn't complete without some sweets. Some great grab-and-go snacks to include:
- Chocolate bars, broken into pieces
- Homemade or store-bought cookies
- Popcorn
- Candied ginger
- Almond bark
- Pinot Noir Brownies
Make-Ahead Appetizers
In addition to the individual bites of the grazing table, I like to include 1-3 different appetizer dishes to help round out the meal for guests. Some to consider:
- Antipasto Skewers
- Gougere Bites
- Spinach Dip
- Meatballs with Romesco Sauce
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
The Ultimate Fall Grazing Table
Finally, the key to a good gathering is to relax and enjoy the time with friends and family. I know, as the constant hostess, that this is easier said than done. But once you've got all of your ingredients and dishes out, pour some champagne and cheers to your good fortune of having amazing friends to share this fall bounty with.
Cheers! Happy Fall!
BONUS: Ultimate Fall Grazing Table Printable PDF Checklist
Would you like my Ultimate Fall Grazing Table Printable PDF checklist? Subscribe to the Urban Bliss Life weekly newsletter, and you'll get it in your inbox (starting Sept 29, 2019)!
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kim says
Yum! We loved this fall-inspired grazing table idea! I'll definitely be making again for a Halloween party!
Caroline says
I'm definitely a fan of grazing, this looks both tasty and pretty - so many great choices!
Adrianne says
Wow, this has got so many delicious looking nibbles, I don't know which I would pick 1st. I love the idea of everything on a plate here and snacking away, what a great way to entertain guests.
Kushigalu says
So many great ideas here. Everything looks so beautiful too!
Tonje says
This is one of my favorite meal ideas, I will definitely use some of the suggestions here. Thanks!
stephen micheal says
Thanks for sharing; you’re doing a great job I feel that is one of the so much vital information for me. And I’m satisfied reading your article
Erin says
This grazing table looks like the perfect way to eat this Fall! This would be perfect for Thanksgiving, tailgating, or even just an easy dinner at home!