Are grazing tables a bad idea for summer?

Not at all. Grazing tables are perfect for summer events. Chef Frank asserts, "Grazing tables are tailor-made for summer gatherings." They offer guests the freedom to select and enjoy a variety of dishes at their leisure.

Additionally, chefs can strategize ways to maintain optimal food temperatures, whether keeping items cool or warm, based on the chosen menu and venue logistics. Grazing tables enhance summer events' casual and social atmosphere, making them a delightful choice for any occasion.

Grazing tables are a great idea for your wedding regardless of the time of year. We would work together to design a menu to suit the season and ensure the food is fresh and delicious. The position of the grazing table is important and ensuring it's either in the shade or a cool location will help with the warmer weather. 

Happy grazing 

Graze and Dine co

No, not at all. Food handling and safetly guidlines allow food to be out for up to 4hours inclusive of set-up and pack-down. Obviously less if in warmer temperatures. You would want the tables to be in a shaded area not in direct sunlight and when hiring a grazing table caterer make sure they have all the correct certifications. Proper food temperature logs should be used as well as adequate means of food transport/delivery.

It's never a bad idea for a grazing table!

We strongly suggest that if you do decide on a grazing table that it be under cover in a cool spot. If the grazing table has direct heat on it, cheeses and cured meats will start to melt and create moisture. This doesn't always look the best for photos but still tastes great. The other point to note is that if a grazing table is set outside, doesn't matter what time of year it is you'll always attract flies. 

Grazing tables outside in the summer months can be problematic if not done currently.  If doing a grazing table outside in the warmer months we use cooling techniques to keep things that would melt or need to be kept cold as they should be.  We also use insect netting to keep pesky flies and wasps off the food.  We also adhere to food regulations with the danger zone.

As a chef for 16 years I dont find it a good idea unless in a controlled environment.
Northing stylish about flies hanging around the food in the sun, or your guests getting an upset stomach.
After 15 minutes of people picking at them they look pretty ordinary anyway.

This concept works really well.

SHARE PLATTERS Main Meal

for a minimum of 50 guests (smaller numbers may be accommodated dependent on dates and pricing)

·      can be placed out on guests tables or on buffet table area w attendant staff

Roasted and sliced, select two from the list below

·      boneless leg pork w crackling and apple sauce

·      mustard pepper crust porterhouse striploin

·      rosemary and garlic boneless leg lamb

·      turkey breast roll w cranberry sauce

·      whole boned lemon and thyme chicken rolls

accompanied by

·      rosemary and garlic roasted potato chunks

 and either

·      one leafy and three other salads (refer salad selection download pdf for choices)

or

·      roast fresh seasonal vegetable selection including heirloom carrots, pumpkin, asparagus and red wine jus

plus

·      crusty whole breads / rolls w butter

Includes

·      main crockery plate

·      stainless steel cutlery

·      linen napkins

·      linen buffet table cover (white or black)

$34.oo per head

I would think about where the grazing table is going to be placed. 

If it is outside  you would want to position in shaded area, though also keep in mind you usually have more flys in summer.  I would personally lean more to canapes service on hot summer day. 

If inside  it wouldnt be a bad idea at all ! 

Anything the Bride and Groom want, should be considered and made to happen, unless they desire and 50 piece Marching band, that i can't do.

All Grazing tables should be organised on their own merit, for example, Weather restrictions, Size, Foods Desired, Time of the Day,  etc.

So when organising a Table all variables should be considered and hashed out for the end result. There's always a solution for everything and being organised for any situation is the key.  Too hot, is there shelter, under a tree, small marquee, choose the right foods for example no meats, just Cheese, Crackers and Fruits.

Have a grazing table for Dessert/ late Supper instead of Cocktail Hour, when its nice and cool.

Of course all food should be kept refrigerated until its time for it to be consumed.  So timing is a factor.  Practise getting that table laid in 10 minutes lol.  Organise everthing in containers ready for placement.

Of course you have your time restraints for foods left out, so have a plan in place not to leave it out for too long.  Organise a Grazing table to be presented at the best time of the day for it to be consumed by hungry hungry guests, so your not having the chance of too much food being left over.  It's really not a good idea to have one out just for show.  Maximise it's purpose and make it a real show stopper.

Don't be afraid to ask the caterer all those niggling questions, like the ones above, they should be happy to work with you to make sure everything looks and tastes amazing and all Health Regulations are being adhered too

Best of Luck x

Not in my opinion but it depends on the supplier and bride. 

Grazing tables should be best consumed outdoors in the summer with direct light on it within the first hour, so it doesn't start to go off or in the danger zone. All food should be kept in refrigeration until placing on the table and should be taken out and placed on the table close to when people come to eat the food. 

A good idea to have a grazing table in summer is having a small gazebo so it's underneath some shade or have a clothed net over the food so insects don't attack the food and cover for some shade. A good idea for grazing tables in summer is to have a few ice packs around the table to keep everything cold for a little while longer.