The new trend of Grazing tables at weddings and showers is both functional and stunning. It is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests, but it can also leave a lasting impression on your pocketbook. With the combination of catering fees and delivery fees, the total cost of ordering charcuterie for 150+ guests can become overwhelming. Creating your own amazing Charcuterie display is both simple and affordable, so here is everything you need to know…
Is it possible to have Charcuterie for 150+ Guests?
Not only is it possible to have charcuterie for 150+ guests, it is where charcuterie thrives. The reason charcuterie for large groups is so convenient is that it can be an appetizer that is flexible. Charcuterie for a large number of people is easy no matter the guest list!
It can easily accommodate all dietary restrictions.
I have catered a wedding that was completely vegetarian and it was still just as beautiful and, most importantly, delicious. A simple cheese board with fresh fruit is so delicious. In replacement of meat, we included bowls of bruschetta with crostini, brie with blackberry compote and local honey, and hummus with peppers, carrots, and crackers. These three combinations served as the centerpieces of the board and were surrounded by dried fruit, assorted cheeses, and various crackers and pretzels. There are so many hardy and unique types of cheese that you can build a great board around; goat cheese, blue cheese, spreadable cheese, and brie cheese.
It is also easy to include just a section with no meat, gluten-free crackers, and spreads, or a nut-free area of the board. Being flexible is key when doing charcuterie for large groups.
It is perfect for personalization.
The fun part about charcuterie boards/grazing tables is that you can easily be creative and make them your own. For example, I created a Father’s Day Grazing box at our bakery. Fathers are not, generally, the key demographic for charcuterie boards, maybe because they are drawn to more filling or hardy food groups. With that in mind, I included pigs in a blanket with spicy mustard, summer sausage with cheese cubes, peanut butter pretzels, full-sized chocolate chip cookies, and brie with spicy honey (my favorite part). I also love the idea of including an area for kids with peanut butter sandwiches, colorful fruit snacks, and crackers.
It is a great icebreaker.
Because this is usually served as an appetizer, it is served at the perfect time to begin bringing people together. Who doesn’t love to talk about food? Questions like, “What are you pairing with this?” or “That looks wonderful, where did you find that?” “Great choice! Interesting combo!” At this point, people are usually pretty hungry, so they are almost giddy to be given so many things to choose from before dinner.
It’s almost like being at an art gallery–you have a piece for everyone to discuss. The combination of visual interest, a variety of flavors, and a variety of textures is just the perfect way to excite your guests and bring them together.
How many people will my Charcuterie board feed?
The most common question I hear when people are trying to plan for the charcuterie boards is how to determine how much food you need. Often when you have a more intimate gathering you need more food per person simply for visual appeal. However big events are easier to design because the bigger the guest count the more food. The fuller the grazing table the better!
As an Appetizer
This is the typical route most people take with charcuterie. It is the perfect thing to serve during that long hour while all your guests are getting antsy while pictures are taken. No need to worry when they have a delicious charcuterie table to enjoy. The amount of food you want to plan for per person is about 3 ounces. A great way to better understand this is to split the amount into three categories. My categories are ounces of meat, ounces of cheese, and ounces of extras (carbs, fruits, nuts, fresh herbs, etc..). This means we need to allocate about one oz of each category per person. This makes everything much easier to calculate and imagine.
Meats and cheeses are sold by the pound; therefore you divide your number of guests by 16 (there are 16 ounces in a pound) to see how many pounds of meat you need to buy.
150 guests: 9.5 pounds of meat and 9.5 pounds of cheese.
200 guests: 12.5 pounds of meat and 12.5 pounds of cheese
350 guests: 22 pounds of meat and 22 pounds of cheese.
Additional items vary on how they are sold. Most fruit is sold by the pound, whereas crackers and pretzels usually list the ounces on their packaging. Just have a rough number in your head for what you want and keep track of what you are adding to the shopping list.
As a main course
Although less common, a charcuterie table as your main course can be an amazing idea. With more filling items mixed through your spread, you can have an amazingly full and beautiful table. I would recommend 6-8 ounces per person. I also would recommend getting more creative with your food options. This could mean some mini sliders throughout, a bruschetta with grilled chicken, and even kabobs. Keep in mind that if you have more meal-type items, then you want to make sure there is enough so that each person can have one slider, one kabob, etc.
How to Design Your Charcuterie for 150+ Guests
Charcuterie Board Table
Here is a whole post on how to create a charcuterie board table! This is a very popular option for weddings, a baby shower, and a bridal shower. This is also what most charcuterie businesses offer for events.
Separate Containers
This is a cute idea that is very easy for your guests. They do not have to pick out anything or determine what goes well together because you have done it for them! You can make one for each guest, or have themed cups scattered throughout your grazing table. The downside is that you have to prepare a large number of little charcuterie cups. They can be tedious to design and difficult to store if made ahead. Individual cups can also add additional costs.
Grazing Board Center Piece
I love this idea. It helps a big event feel more like an intimate gathering. Each table has a smaller charcuterie board in the center. While easier to prep and coordinate, this is a pricier option. Each table needs its own platter or board for the display and sometimes the board needs more food per person in order to look full and inviting.
Add in a Butter Board
You might be wondering, what is a butter board? It really is just a great way to display spreads and dips. Here is a full post on what a butter board is. They really can add variety in color, taste and texture to your table. With lots of scones, croissants, or pita, butter boards can feed a lot of guests!
How to prepare ahead for a Charcuterie Board?
This is definitely one of the most important things to think about when preparing for a large event. Most of the items on a charcuterie board require refrigeration, so you need to make sure you have room in your refrigerator. I think it helps to store each component separately in the refrigerator and then put it together right before the party. Prep is the most crucial part of charcuterie, but also the most useful. When event time comes around you just set out your spread and relax.
- Keep meat products in the refrigerator until the last minute. They should only be out of the fridge for two hours.
- Although cheese should not be out for a prolonged amount of time, they are served best at room temperature.
- Prep everything that can be out of the refrigerator beforehand.
- Keep any crackers in their package until the last minute.
- Have a layout planned for everything. Set your boards or cake stands up beforehand so all you have to do is fill in the gaps.
- Any items that go into a bowl, like hummus or a dip, should be in the bowl and in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap.
- Prep is very important to charcuterie for large groups.
What supplies do I need for Charcuterie for 150+ guests?
This is another part about charcuterie that is flexible. You could put a lot of money into your board, or you can accomplish one on a budget.
Paper
For a large grazing table the easiest option is to start by lining the table with butcher paper. The butcher paper does not disintegrate from the meat, fruit or cheese. Having this paper directly on the table allows you to get the sprawing, full look to your table. Here is a great roll of of butcher paper that is easy to lay out.
Individual cups
Even if you do not create individual cups for each of your guests, it can be nice to have cups throughout your table. An example would be creating a caprese cup with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. People can add these cups to their plates. Here is a great Charcuterie cup option.
Board
This could include just a singular wooden board for your centerpeices, or several boards of different materials and textures. The two most common kinds of charcuterie boards are wooden and slate. You can work with a larger board, several small boards, large platter, or long charcuterie board. You can even use wooden cutting boards.
- Here is a nice option for large events with over 20 people. It comes in a pack of three and would be great in combination with different platters and bowls.
- Here is one that is large, and easy to transport. It also can be packed full of food because it does not have a handle.
- And this is a good option if you just want to be able to use it over and over again for more intimate dinner parties or gatherings.
Bowls
If you are including dips, marinated mozzarella or anything liquid then you will need bowls. They also add to the complexity and design of your overall board. I love THESE small bowls from amazon.
Utensils
This is where you can go overboard or keep it simple. When dealing with larger crowds it is best to keep it simple and have plenty. The most important tools to me are tongs, charcuterie knives and charcuterie spreaders. Here is a smaller, more quality set. For a very large crowd you may want disposable options, like this for affordability and easy clean up.
Cake Stands
This one is optional and geared more toward full grazing tables. When you have a display for over 150 people you want to make sure you bring some varying heights to your display. Cake stands are very helpful to the overall look of your spread. I really love tiered cake stands especially due to their ability to hold a lot and look full.
- This one is a pack of 4 different stands with varying levels.
- Here is a higher quality option that would make a great piece to have in your home after the event or as a gift to the couple.
- This is another pack of stands that is perfect for large groups, adding variety to your table.
Charcuterie for 150+ Guests
Planning an event with lots of people can be overwhelming. I hope this post helps you feel more at ease with whatever event you have coming up. If people have good food, they will be happy. Let us know how your big day goes and any tips you learn on the way!
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