Being Thoughtful Means
Being Sustainable

Designing Your Menu

A grazing table is a perfect way to offer a no fuss, low waste meal for a group. Here are some reasons why this option works well for easy entertaining as well as a low waste option.

1. A charcuterie or snack board not only offers a selection of tastes, textures & flavours for your guests, it is aesthetically beautiful - it can often be party decor in itself.

2. You can use what you already have - the beauty of a charcuterie board is that it has a little bit of everything. So use up that half-full jar of pickles or add some fruit or nuts that you already have in the kitchen.

3. This can be a great way to accommodate dietary restrictions - guests can pick and choose foods that work for their needs.

4. You'll spend less time in the kitchen, as you won't be heating & plating individual plates of food. You can also prep your boards in advance, so that you can be present with your guests and not hustling & bustling during your party.

5. You won't need individual cutlery for every guest, or multiple plates like you would for a served dinner.

A FEW TIPS TO HELP REDUCE YOUR WASTE

• If you're shopping for ingredients for your grazing table, consider shopping local and visiting your local butcher & bakery. Often times you can purchase your fresh bread without it being packaged in a plastic bag, or have your charcuterie meat wrapped in paper as opposed to plastic packaging from a major grocery store.
  
  
• Choose foods that are packaged in recyclable containers like olives & pickles. You can also shop for bulk items like nuts by bringing your own containers as opposed to using a store's plastic bags.
  
  
• For beverages, offer punch or water in large glass dispensers, which not only look great, but cut down on individual cans & bottles. Also think about choosing beverages that come in glass bottles over plastic!

GET CREATIVE WITH ECO FRIENDLY OFFERINGS

If you're feeling like trying something a little different than traditional charcuterie, check out this book - On Boards - which offers inspiration for unique themed snack boards for absolutely every occasion! It also offers advice on amounts to prepare for the number of guests you're entertaining, drink pairings and so much more!

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

DISHWARE VS. DISPOSABLES

Let's move on to the other aspects of the party - serve-ware & decor. Yes, using regular dish-ware will mean that you have some dishes to do after the event, but since we aren't doing a four course meal, you should really only have a plate and a glass or two per person to wash. You also won't have the pots, pans & baking sheets that are the biggest cleaning job. If you have a dishwasher - even better! 

CLOTH VS. PAPER

For napkins - why not use cloth! Not only will this feel more upscale than paper, there really is no more work to throw a dirty napkin in a washing machine versus a garbage can. You'll also save on the cost of all the typical single use napkins & dishes by using what you already have!

USING EXISTING HOME DECOR

For decor, a beautiful serving board or wood cutting board offers a little bit of decor in itself. You can easily accent your spread with potted plants, or some cut garden flowers or greens from your yard (or local Farmer's market). Try moving home decor like lanterns to help decorate and create a relaxed but beautiful presentation.