Christmas graze table

Ingredients

• to tasteselection of cheeses
• to tasteselection of cheese crackers
• to tastesalted pistachios
• to tasteolives
• to tastemini mozzarella
• to tastesun-dried tomatoes
• to tasteselection of charcuterie
• to tastemini marshmallows
• to tasteSmarties
• to tastegrapes
• to tastestollen
• to tastepistachios
• to tastecashew nuts
• to tastemince pies
• to tasteshortbread
• to tastechocolate coins
• to tastewhite chocolate buttons
• to tasteLindt truffles
• to tastefresh figs
• to tasteolive bread or focaccia

Instructions

1. 1

   Get started

   Although the table may look like a large project at first, putting it together can be fun.

2. 2

   Cover the table

   Roll out a long sheet of greaseproof paper to match the length of the table. For extra protection, place mats can go underneath; they will be covered by the food.

3. 3

   Add a centrepiece

   Place a handmade Merry Christmas tile in the middle of the table, if using, as a focal point to arrange the food around.

4. 4

   Arrange savoury bites

   Use the greaseproof paper as the food surface and arrange everything creatively. Begin with small bowls of olives, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the cured meats and charcuterie.

5. 5

   Fill out the display

   Continue adding food until the table looks full. Fresh cranberries can fill gaps and add colour; add Christmas tree offcuts if you have them, and a few small twinkling lights if desired.

6. 6

   Invite guests

   Let your guests help themselves. Afterwards, roll up the greaseproof paper and put it in the bin to make clearing the table easier.

What is a Christmas graze table?

A graze table is a generous spread of small savoury and sweet foods laid out for guests to share. It suits relaxed British festive entertaining, where people can nibble at their own pace rather than sit down to a single plated course.

This version mixes cheese, charcuterie, fruit, nuts and Christmas treats. The paper-covered table makes an easy surface for arranging the spread, while the optional tile gives the display a focal point.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 200 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat.

The recipe does not give quantities for its ingredients, so the calorie and macro contribution of each food cannot be worked out from the list. In general, bread, crackers, fruit and sweets provide most of the carbohydrate, while cheese, charcuterie and nuts contribute fat and some protein. For a more balanced plate, combine a modest portion of cheese or charcuterie with grapes or figs and a little bread or crackers.

Build the savoury base

Small bowls: start with the olives, mini mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, as the method suggests. Bowls help keep these items together while creating clear starting points for the layout.

Cheese and meat: arrange the cheeses, crackers and charcuterie around the bowls. Keep the crackers close to the cheese so guests can pair them easily.

Make the layout feel full

Clusters: group similar foods together, then leave room between them for other items. This gives guests a clear view of what is available and makes the table easier to navigate.

Fillers: use grapes, figs and nuts to fill small gaps, with cranberries for extra colour if you have them. Add decorative lights or tree offcuts only where they will not get mixed up with the food.

Balance sweet and savoury

Savoury choices: cheese, charcuterie, olives, mozzarella and bread make up the more substantial side of the table. Crackers and bread offer handy ways to serve the cheeses and meats.

Festive treats: arrange stollen, mince pies, shortbread and chocolates in their own groups. Keeping sweet items distinct helps guests pick what they fancy without losing the variety of the display.

Set up the table

Greaseproof paper: roll out a sheet as long as the table before you start arranging the food. Place mats underneath can offer an extra layer of protection, even if their pattern will be hidden.

Centrepiece: put the Christmas tile in place first, if using, then build around it. This helps anchor the arrangement without dictating exactly where each food must go.

Serve and clear

Timing: allow about 60 minutes for the recipe as supplied, including arranging the spread. The method does not specify a particular order for adding the remaining ingredients, so use the available space and build the display gradually.

At the end: guests help themselves from the table, and the greaseproof paper can be rolled up for disposal. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly rather than leaving them out after the gathering.

Recipe notes & tips

• Measure the greaseproof paper against the table before unrolling it.
• Put small bowls in place early to create anchors for the rest of the arrangement.
• Group similar foods together so guests can see what is on offer.
• Keep any decorative lights and greenery separate from the food.
• Add the more delicate foods near serving time so they stay presentable.

Variations

• Add fresh cranberries: tuck them into gaps for extra colour, as suggested in the method.
• Use tree offcuts: place suitable Christmas tree offcuts around the display as decoration.
• Change the bread: use olive bread or focaccia, as listed in the ingredients.
• Choose different cheeses: vary the selection to offer a mix of flavours and textures.
• Add seasonal fruit: arrange extra grapes or fresh figs among the savoury foods.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting without a layout: place the optional centrepiece and bowls first to give the arrangement a structure.
• Leaving awkward gaps: use fruit or nuts to fill smaller spaces.
• Mixing everything together: keep sweets, savoury foods and wet items in separate groups.
• Putting decorations on the food: keep lights and greenery clear of anything guests will eat.
• Leaving leftovers out: refrigerate perishable items promptly after serving.

How to store

This spread is best assembled shortly before serving. Refrigerate leftover cheese, charcuterie, mozzarella and other perishable foods in covered containers promptly; keep dry biscuits and sweets separately in airtight containers. The recipe does not specify storage times, so follow the food packaging guidance and use opened perishable items promptly.

Frequently asked questions