Move over buffets, grazing tables steal the spotlight at house parties

Once reserved for gala dinners, corporate events, and wedding buffets, grazing tables have now made their way into Mumbai’s intimate home gatherings. What began as a stylish alternative to conventional catering has become a must-have centrepiece for birthdays, brunches, and cocktail evenings in both cozy apartments and sprawling homes.

‘The charm of grazing has caught on, it’s casual yet stylish’“Grazing tables are the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and sociability,” says chef-entrepreneur Raji Gupta, who has curated such spreads in Mumbai. “The free-form nature encourages guests to mingle and nibble at their own pace, creating an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and indulgent. The charm of grazing has caught on recently; many want this for their private home parties.

When I started, these tables were seen only at weddings or corporate soirées.

Now I’m designing them for intimate house parties. People love how effortless yet luxurious they look. Indian food is also incorporated, as it adds an eclectic flair to grazing tables, weaving fragrant spices, vivid colors, and diverse textures into a feast that’s as much a visual journey as a culinary one.” ‘Unique themes create an unforgettable visual experience’For Vatsal Sanghvi, co-founder of Troopr, every grazing table is a creative challenge.

“We customize tables with themes that clients want, and people love how interactive it feels,” he says. “Over the past year, grazing tables have evolved into statement pieces at home parties, often becoming the showstopper for guests. Unique themes create an unforgettable visual experience that is also designed to delight the taste buds.

We’ve organised everything from pink-themed Jain spreads to pajama party setups and Halloween-inspired displays.

Ours is a one-stop solution for hosting memorable parties at home—offering everything from gourmet grazing tables to curated staff, ensuring every detail is taken care of.” ‘Grazing tables are here to stay’According to Anjali Midha, founder of Kitchen Roast, their popularity in Mumbai’s house-party circuit is no surprise. “People love to host and hang out at home but don’t want the hassle. They also want to impress their guests and make a statement.

Grazing tables tick all these boxes, and they become the centre of attraction. Cheese, dips, and canapés have replaced traditional kebabs, making the experience hassle-free.

It’s not just about food, a grazing table comes alive with flowers and beautiful crockery. It needs to be a treat for all your senses. People ask for the complete package. Grazing tables are here to stay because they bring people together beautifully.” ‘We pair cheeses with the right condiments best suited to the theme of the table’Jatin Sanghadia, co-founder of Casaro Fromagerie and Deli with Pranav Patel, is known for his “cheese-forward” curation. “We start with our artisan cheeses and pair them with the right condiments suited to the theme, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, or fusion,” he explains. “With a deep love for our craft, we blend global aesthetics with the right flavours, creating experiences where cheese takes the lead.

We want to fulfil people’s wanderlust through food.

” The Instagram-friendly spreadIn Mumbai’s social-media-driven culture, grazing tables are more than just food, they’re design statements. Entrepreneur Shilpa Thakkar, who hosted one for friends last month, says, “A photogenic spread is key. I asked the organisers to emphasise layering for depth, fresh herbs for pops of colour, and a mix of textures—from crunchy crackers to soft cheeses—to create visual and culinary drama.

My friends loved it so much that everyone wanted pictures for their Insta.

” In Mumbai, grazing tables are not just about eating—they’re about mingling, making memories, and of course, getting that perfect Instagram shot. WHAT IS A GRAZING TABLE:It is a lavish spread of cheese, fruit, nuts, dips, breads, sweets, and more. WHY GRAZING TABLES WORK: