My Go-To Grazing Table Tools (After Building Hundreds of Boards)
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
After building hundreds of grazing boards and tables as a wine bar owner, I learned quickly that the right tools make setup fast and stress-free.
These are the items I always bring with me — whether I’m building a grazing table in my kitchen or at a local bar.
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Find my favorites here...
Kraft Paper Roll
If I’m building directly on a table, this is my base.
It protects the surface, makes cleanup easy, and instantly gives that casual, abundant look. I always bring more than I think I’ll need — especially for longer tables.
Brown Kraft Paper Roll
White Kraft Paper Roll
Height Builders (The Secret to a Full Look)
Flat tables fall flat.
I always bring items to create levels:
Tiered serving trays
Extra platters
Wooden boards
Stacked books or small boxes (hidden under kraft paper)
Height creates visual impact instantly — and makes the table feel abundant without adding more food.
3 Tier Serving Tray
Acacia Serving Board with Handles
2 Pack Acacia Wood Cutting Board
2 Set Wooden Tiered Risers
Mason Jars + Small Ramekins
Mason jars are perfect for breadsticks or taller crackers — instant height.
Small ramekins hold olives, nuts, dips, honey, or mustard and keep everything contained instead of rolling across the table.
They make the table feel intentional, not chaotic.
Dipping Bowls Set, Small Bamboo Pinch Bowls
Mini Mason Jars 4oz - 8 Pack
Chalkboard Signs + Gold or White Chalk Marker
Small chalkboard picks or signs instantly elevate a grazing table.
Labeling cheeses or dips adds personality and makes guests feel comfortable trying new things. I prefer gold or white chalk markers so they stand out and photograph beautifully. 50 Pieces Cheese Markers for Charcuterie Board Buffet Labels
50 Pieces Cheese Markers for Charcuterie Board Buffet Labels
Mini Chalkboard Signs, 20 Pack Framed
Toothpicks or Food Picks
These are small but important.
They make it easy for guests to grab items cleanly, especially olives, fruit, and cheese cubes. They also keep hands from touching everything on the table.
Bring more than you think you’ll need.
200 PCS Cocktail Picks, 4.7 Inch
Faux Greenery Mats or Leaves
One of my favorite styling tricks is layering faux greenery under boards and platters.
It instantly adds texture and a touch of elegance — especially when building on kraft paper or a simple table.
I use realistic-looking greenery that lays flat and blends into any theme and are disposable.
36Pcs Artificial Tropical Palm Leaves Large
2 Pack Artificial Eucalyptus Garland
Fairy Lights (For Evening Events)
For evening events, I always add a few strategically placed fairy lights throughout the table.
Not only do they create instant ambiance, they also help guests actually see what’s on the table once the lighting shifts later in the night.
I tuck them gently between boards or under greenery so they glow without being overpowering. It’s a small detail that completely changes the mood — especially for wine nights or outdoor gatherings.
Fairy Lights Battery Operated String Lights
Extra Serving Utensils
Knives, Tongs & Spreaders (Bring More Than You Think)
I always bring multiple knives — at least one for soft cheeses, one for harder cheeses, and a backup. Someone will move one. It happens every time.
I also pack extra tongs, small serving spoons, and spreaders so guests can grab items easily without creating a traffic jam.
Plastic is completely fine for larger events — just make sure you bring extras. Serving utensils disappear faster than you think.
Trust me on this!
Silver Cheese Knife Set For Charcuterie Board Accessories
**While I’ve built my collection over time, this set is a smart option if you want everything you need in one purchase instead of sourcing items individually.
Fresh Greenery (Rosemary or Arugula)
Before I step away, I always add something fresh and green.
Sprigs of rosemary or a handful of arugula soften the table and elevate the entire look. It’s a simple detail that makes everything feel finished.
And In My " Just-In-Case Bag"
Paper Towels + Wipes
Something will spill. Olive oil travels. You will need them.
Disposable Gloves
Not glamorous.Very necessary.
Zip-Top Bags + Aluminum Foil
These are lifesavers at the end of an event.
Extra food? Wrap it. Unexpected leftovers? Bag them. Need to cover something quickly? Foil.
They make cleanup easier and prevent waste.
Extra Crackers
They go faster than anything else on the table.
If you think you brought enough, bring one more box.
Small Scissors
For opening packaging quickly and cleanly.
This tiny tool saves you every single time.
Tape or Binder Clips
If you’re using kraft paper, wind happens.So do table bumps.
A quick clip keeps everything looking intentional.
Trash Bag
Always clean as you go.
It keeps your space manageable and your setup calm.
A Small “Emergency Fill” Container
Extra berries.Extra nuts.Extra olives.
This is what you use during your final sweep to make everything look abundant and finished.
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