Have you made any plans yet for Mother’s Day? I’ve been thinking of easy ways to celebrate Mum’s Day without the usual lunch out or luxurious gifts. And with everyone staying safely at home, I thought what better way to do it than prepare beautiful grazing platters to share.
I know. The kids and dads should be the one pampering us on this day. But occasions like this is best when everyone’s involved with the preparations, including us mums. So, get ready to be inspired by these grazing platter ideas and make the entire family feel special!
How to Put Together a Grazing Platter
What I like about grazing platters or food boards is that they look so beautiful and delectable at the same time. They are also easy to make. There are no rules to follow either, so it’s just as fun to build as it is to eat. And even without the formal know-how, you can create an Instagram-worthy, edible work of art that will make the kids go wow.
Now, you don’t have to buy anything new for your grazing platter party. Just make use of what’s in your kitchen and let your creativity guide you. Some of the things you might need for your grazing platter party are:
- Pretty tablecloth or placemats
- Serving boards and large platters or plates
- Small or dip bowls
- Cake stands
- Teacups and saucers
- Serving utensils
- Flowers or any table décor
Creative Grazing Platter Ideas
Charcuterie, cheese and fruit are the usual grazing platter favourites. But as children are joining in the fun, make sure the kids (and the kids at heart) love your ingredient choices. It’s even better if you can come up with a grazing table theme with everyone’s favourite food served. Here are some grazing platter ideas that you can try.
1. Fruit fiesta platter
When you can’t go to your planned tropical vacation, why not bring it indoors by making a fruit platter? It’s colourful, bright and delicious. Put autumn fruits like figs, apples, oranges, strawberries, bananas and pears on a large serving plate and voila! You and your kids have a nutritious snack or dessert to enjoy. What I love about this grazing platter is its versatility, where you can add accompaniments like bowls of nuts, cheese sticks or melted chocolate for dipping.
2. High tea party
Little girls will surely love this grazing platter idea. Your afternoon tea grazing party can be simple or super fancy, depending on your preference. Set it up indoors or at your garden. Then make use of your dainty teacup sets if you have them, and fill your cake stand with savoury and sweet treats. Just the thought of seeing mini sandwiches and bite-sized cakes in one spread makes me excited.
3. Pancake breakfast board
If you love the idea of topping one pancake with fruit, then chocolate the next as much as I do, you’ve got to try making on-trend pancake grazing platters for Mum’s Day. Even if you don’t have store-bought mixes on hand, pancakes are super easy to whip up from scratch. If you have a waffle maker at home, you can always serve waffles instead of pancakes or both. You can even cook savoury pancakes and blinis, too. For something hearty, make sure to add bacon and sausages to your spread. Don’t worry about the kitchen mess. These stovetop cleaning hacks can help!
4. BBQ feast
Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? Even if you can’t grill outside, you can still prep and cook indoors. You can also use a portable grill. Instead of cooking big chunks of meat, make everything in bite-size servings or small skewers. Mini sausages, burger sliders and grilled vegetables or fruit are great add-ons, too. And don’t forget the BBQ sauce!
5. Healthy veggie
If your family is into everything low fat and healthy, then this grazing platter idea is for you. Bring out your mandoline, food processor and cutting board to turn carrots, cucumbers, capsicums and radish into nutritious snack bites. For variety, you can serve roasted, baked, pan-fried or steamed vegetables as well. Serve your crudité platter with two to three dipping sauces. Or if you want, you can also turn this into a make-your-own salad, sandwich or wrap party.
6. Warm cocoa and marshmallows
Combat the chilly fall weather with mugs of warm chocolate! For extra indulgence, add platters of cookies and wafers. Everyone at home with a sweet tooth will adore this grazing table idea. If your kids have a mini tent, you can pretend to be on a camping trip while enjoying your hot cocoa party. If not, blankets, pillows and lots of cuddles will do.
Celebrate with Food and Family
Ideas for Mum’s Day are limitless, but I guess nothing’s better than celebrating it with food and your loved ones. It doesn’t matter if it’s as simple as pancakes or inexpensive like hot chocolate. And if you have grandmas or mum friends living far away, share your grazing platter ideas with them and organise one big virtual party to greet them Happy Mum’s Day!
